Empower ME Academy Hosts a Successful Basketball-Thon

The Cogeo team is incredibly impressed with work Empower ME Academy (EMA) has produced over the past 2 years. They’ve hit a particularly steady stride over the summer that includes their highly successful Basketball-Thon event.

On Saturday, August 28, 2021, EMA welcomed their community into the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco -- a space that they’re working to finalize and lease on a long-term basis. 

They hosted tournaments between kids of all ages. Each player was sponsored as a way to raise money for the Needs-Based Financial Assistance (NFBA) Programs.

The program enables children from all backgrounds and income levels to participate in EMA’s programming. Since 2014, EMA has awarded the equivalent of $1.1 million in financial aid to cover over 100 student-athletes tuition. Currently, 20% of its students receive tuition assistance, and 50% of San Francisco's zip codes are represented

EMA was able to raise over $16k through Classy’s crowdfunding platform and more from those who attended the event.

Jerome Gumbs, EMA’s founder and CEO, along with the EMA staff and leadership received high praise from those in attendance. Everyone from the referees to the families outside of EMA were in awe of the behavior and demeanor of the EMA kids and community. They appreciated the level of respect and eagerness to learn that the kids had to offer. This is a true testament to the work that EMA has put forth and continues to strive for.

“This was such an incredible day for me. The second best day of my life. This was the culmination of everything this group has been working for and it was amazing to see,” said Gumbs.