Darlene and Tom Ryder Commit $500,000 Challenge Grant to build our center for academics and training
The transformation of our new home into the Crossover Center for Excellence has been propelled by a major Challenge Grant from Darlene and Tom Ryder. While basketball is the magnet to our program, academic tutoring through one-on-one relationships with volunteer mentors is the key ingredient to our impact on the students who consider Crossover their second home. This important work will soon take place in the Center for Academics and Training (CAT).
“I do not have the words to express my gratitude to you. It is truly amazing that you care so much about these kids who want and need our help,” said Antoine Jennings at a recent meeting with Darlene and Tom at their gourmet market.
“Crossover gives kids a safe place to play and learn. The combination of athletics, academics and thoughtful mentoring has and will continue to improve the lives of many young people in our community. My family and I are very happy to join the long list of neighbors helping Antoine and Cathy execute their exciting vision,” Mrs. Ryder commented. This project has also received generous support from Impact 100 and the John’s Island Foundation demonstrating wide community support.
The Center for Academics and Training will occupy a large revitalized second floor space as a multi-purpose, multi-media center with four essential functions:
- Provide quiet, comfortable, and private learning spaces for individualized instruction, small group instruction, and distance learning for students and volunteer mentors.
- Create a training and continuing education center for volunteer mentors.
- Equip our students and volunteers with the necessary educational resources in a multi-media library.
- Serve as the technology and distance learning hub for the Crossover Center for Excellence.
“The Ryder challenge grant will double new contributions up to $500,000. It’s a powerful way to start to our plan to build the Center for Academics and Training,” said board member Buff Penrose.
An additional $500,000 must be raised to match the Ryder’s challenge and meet the goals of our $6.5 million Home Court Advantage capital campaign. Darlene and Tom Ryder are encouraging members of the community to help realize the vision for the new Crossover Center for Excellence and the life-changing impact we can have on more student-athletes.
