Dear Colleagues, Friends & Family,

All students do not have equal access to a quality education. Despite major strides toward educational equity, our country still faces an opportunity gap. An education should not be defined by socioeconomic background, abilities or zip code and that is why I founded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA).

JRLA is an open enrollment, tuition free, public charter high school in my hometown of Detroit. Our mission is to empower all scholars to develop the strength of character, skills, and knowledge needed to matriculate, be great in, and graduate from college or a post-secondary program so that they have opportunities to be successful in the competitive world and take care of themselves and the people that they love.

Today, after 11 years of operations, we remain steadfast in our commitment to not only get our scholars to graduate from high school, but for them to graduate from college or a post-secondary program as well – outcomes that are real game changers in public education. JRLA has never wavered in its pursuit to improve the educational outcomes for Detroit area youth. With a 97% high school graduation rate, 100% college and post-secondary acceptance and a leader among open enrollment high schools in Detroit for college matriculation, we know the path to college and a successful future.

All children should have an opportunity to achieve at a high level, which starts with a great education. JRLA is meeting that need; however, funding a public charter high school is not an easy task, especially in Detroit where we are underfunded by the State. In addition, unlike traditional public schools, charter schools do not receive funding to purchase, lease, or improve facilities. This causes financial challenges that can limit the charter school’s ability to provide appropriate accommodations. To financially support both the transformational educational opportunities for our scholars, and to provide the necessary facilities to house these unique programs, we are hosting our 12th Annual JRLA Celebrity Golf Classic the weekend of August 21-22, 2022.

This will undoubtedly be a wonderful event but, more importantly, the money we raise will help provide year-round opportunities and resources for our scholars. Additional information can be found on the following pages. I hope to see you there!

Enter a Learner: Exit a Leader.

Jalen Rose

Jalen Rose

ABC/ESPN Analyst & 13-year NBA Veteran

NBA Hall of Famer & Former Mayor of Detroit

Former Miss Canada & Professional Golfer