A Second Chance Thanks to the Memphis Grizzlies

MEMPHIS, TN --- After their last season, if there is something the Memphis Grizzlies can understand is that life can be tough sometimes. It was this same spirit that helped found the Grizzlies Academy in 2003. Andy Dolich explained the Grizzlies wanted to be part of the solution to the high dropout rate in Memphis' public school.

The Academy is a public high school that welcomes students ages 15 to 17 who are two years behind the expected grade level. The students are divided into small classes so they can be given more individual attention. During the three years of high school, they work on small projects which teach them to be responsible and more involved in the community. To prepare them for the world of work, the students take an internship during their senior year.

A complete professional staff is available to the students, including counselors, tutors, nurses, an art teacher, a reading specialist and a social worker. In return for being provided school uniforms, transportation and meal twice a week, the students make a moral commitment to strong attendance, good behavior, hard work and extended hours. For first and second year students, the school year ends at the end of June. During this last month, they work on a special project. This year's project will focus on ecology. The students will create a garden on the roof of their school.

The school is a second chance for those teenagers who come from difficult family background. They are given a chance to study hard, to obtain a scholarship and to attend college. "It is amazing what those students can do when someone believes in them" said Jennifer Turner Koltnow, executive director of Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation. Several graduates over the last few years, received scholarships like the Hope Scholarship.