Empowering Communities

Arkansas Storm serves boys in grades 5–12 from across Arkansas, with more than 65% of our participants residing in Central Arkansas, particularly in the 72076 zip code. Many of the youth we support come from Title I schools and neighborhoods experiencing economic and social challenges.

Arkansas is currently ranked 45th in the nation for child well-being by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. This ranking highlights ongoing issues affecting boys in particular, lower academic performance, higher exposure to violence, and limited access to safe, structured enrichment programs.

In the communities we serve:

• Many families face economic instability
   

• Graduation and literacy rates for boys trail behind national averages
   

• Safe and consistent after-school options are limited
   

• Youth of color are disproportionately exposed to unsafe environments without intervention

Arkansas Storm reduces these barriers by providing free or low-cost programming, academic enrichment, athletic development, and culturally responsive mentorship. We create consistent, supportive spaces where boys can grow academically, emotionally, and socially on the court and beyond.