Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation

What Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation does

The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1988 by Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee, headquartered at the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center in East St. Louis, Illinois. The foundation delivers direct youth development services to children and adolescents ages 5-18 in an under-resourced community where roughly 32% of the population lives at or below the poverty line. Its programming spans two pillars — Athletics and Education — through JJK Academy (an elementary school opened September 7, 2021 using BJU Press curriculum), an After School Program (August–May, 2:30–6pm), an 8-week Summer Camp (7:30am–6pm), Youth Athletics across eight sports, STEAM education with robotics, hydroponics, and a passive solar greenhouse, an eSports program, and the proprietary trademarked "Winning in Life®" leadership curriculum built on 14 core principles. Operational technology is modest and non-proprietary: the foundation relies on BJU Press as its academic backbone, integrates iRacing/NASCAR Heat 3 rigs via the NASCAR Drive for Diversity partnership, and runs hydroponic and outdoor garden systems through the 24,000-square-foot FAN (Food, Agriculture, Nutrition) Innovation Center co-developed with the University of Illinois, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, and Lansdowne UP.

The foundation is funded through a diversified but largely local revenue base. Recurring streams include Foundation Sponsorships ($10/month minimum), Sponsor-a-Student ($334/month or $4,000 one-time), Sponsor-a-Team ($5–17/month), and Sponsor-a-Camper ($84/month or $1,000 one-time). Annual fundraising events include the Sequins, Suits & Sneakers Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis ($250–$15,000 tiers), the JJK 5K Run & Walk held during NASCAR Cup Series weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway, and the Golf Scramble at Sunset Hills Country Club ($250–$15,000). Distribution is single-site, direct-service delivery: programs run in-person at the JJK Center with transportation provided from East St. Louis School District 189. The foundation employs 11–50 staff, is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Jackie Joyner-Kersee (CEO), and is actively planning campus expansion including a 20,000-square-foot Innovation Center, new athletic fields, and an indoor track and field house.

Name

Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation

Legal name

Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation

Website

https://jjkfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1988 by Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee that delivers after-school, summer camp, athletic, STEAM, and elementary school programming to youth ages 5-18 in East St. Louis through its Winning in Life® curriculum.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Educational Services (611), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports) (EDAMALAA), Life Skills & SEL Camps (Confidence, Executive Function, Social Skills) (EDAMALAO)

Keywords

• Youth development programs
• After-school programs
• Youth athletics
• STEAM education
• Private elementary school

Headquarters

HQ city

East Saint Louis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Foundation Sponsorships: Monthly recurring donations from corporate and individual sponsors providing day-to-day operational funding. Minimum $10/month for foundation sponsors.
2. Program Sponsorships: Sponsorships for specific programs including student sponsorship ($334/month or $4000 one-time), team sponsorship ($5-17/month), and camper sponsorship ($84/month or $1000 one-time).
3. Annual Gala Events: Sequins, Suits & Sneakers Annual Gala held at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, typically in October. Sponsorship tiers range from $250 to $15,000.
4. JJK 5K Run & Walk: Annual 5K race event held during NASCAR Cup Series weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway. Includes registration fees and proceeds benefit youth programs.
5. Golf Scramble: Annual golf tournament at Sunset Hills Country Club with sponsorship packages ranging from $250 to $15,000.
6. Donations: One-time and recurring donations through PayPal from individual donors supporting the foundation's mission.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides youth development programs for children and adolescents ages 5-18 in East St. Louis, Illinois. Core offerings include after-school programming, summer camp, youth athletics, JJK Academy (a private elementary school), STEAM education, eSports, and the proprietary Winning in Life leadership development curriculum, all delivered directly at the JJK Center. The foundation is funded through donations, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events.

Product overview

The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation operates a multi-program youth development ecosystem in East St. Louis. The core offerings include: (1) JJK Academy, an elementary school using BJU Press curriculum with educational technology; (2) After School Program and Summer Camp providing STEAM, athletics, arts, and life skills programming; (3) Winning in Life Program, an evidence-based youth leadership curriculum; (4) Youth Athletics covering basketball, volleyball, baseball, football, soccer, golf, cheerleading, and wrestling; (5) STEAM Program with robotics, life sciences, and science fairs; (6) eSports Program in partnership with Blaze Fire Games; and (7) the Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition (FAN) Innovation Center developed with University of Illinois and Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. Fundraising events include the annual Sequins, Suits & Sneakers Gala and JJK 5K Run & Walk. The portfolio is unified by the Winning in Life curriculum emphasizing confidence, determination, and service across all programming.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• JJK FAN (Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition Innovation Center): A 24,000-square-foot innovation center designed to demonstrate how food, science, and innovation work together to help people thrive through collaboration with University of Illinois, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, and Lansdowne UP.
• JJK Academy
• JJK Winning in Life

Products and services

• After School Program Fun interactive program for youth ages 5-18 running from August until May, 2:30pm-6pm. Provides transportation from District 189 schools, activities including Winning in Life, STEAM, Arts & Crafts, Fitness, Recreation, Agriculture, Spanish, and nutritional dinner and snack.
• Summer Camp 8-week all-day summer program for youth ages 5-18 including Winning in Life, STEAM-Ag, Arts & Crafts, Fitness & Recreation, Nutrition, Agriculture, Spanish, and mini-camps (Seed-to-table, USDA corn grant, Boeing). Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and field trips provided.
• JJK Academy Elementary school opened September 7, 2021, focused on academic excellence with mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Uses BJU Press curriculum with hands-on, multisensory learning approaches and educational technology.
• Winning in Life Program Evidence-based youth leadership development program based on Jackie Joyner-Kersee's principles including Confidence, Courage, Risk-Taking, Critical Thinking, Determination & Grit, Desire, Dedication, Commitment & Hard Work, Goals, Passion, Self-Respect, Service, Values, and Wellness. Documented outcomes: 86% improved athletic skills, 91% learned goal achievement, 93% learned teamwork.
• Youth Athletics Sports programs for children around Metro East area including basketball, volleyball, baseball/softball, football, soccer, golf, cheerleading, and wrestling. Based on Winning in Life curriculum with end-of-season sports banquets.
• STEAM Program Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math programming including robotics (Lego building for younger kids, robot design for older kids), life sciences with hydroponic system and outdoor garden, physical sciences, competitive Mathathon, and annual science fair.
• eSports Program eSports learning and competitive playing opportunity created in partnership with Blaze Fire Games, creating academic and career pathway opportunities in technology and gaming fields.
• Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition Innovation Center (FAN) 24,000-square-foot innovation center demonstrating how food, science, and innovation work together. Developed in collaboration with the University of Illinois, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, and Lansdowne UP.
• Sequins, Suits & Sneakers Gala Annual signature fundraising gala event combining formal attire with athletic spirit held at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis (typically in October). Sponsorship tiers range from $250 to $15,000; tax-deductible 501(c)(3) contribution.
• JJK 5K Run & Walk Annual 5K race event held during NASCAR Cup Series weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway. Run/Walk around the famous oval track benefiting JJK Foundation youth programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 86% of participants reported improved athletic/physical skills
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• NASCAR Drive for DiversityminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 June 2019NASCAR and World Wide Technology Raceway partnered with JJK Foundation to launch a Youth iRacing League. NASCAR provided iRacing rigs, equipment and software (iRacing and NASCAR Heat 3) to the JJK Center located less than four miles from the track.
• University of IllinoiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on the Jackie Joyner-Kersee (JJK) Food, Agriculture, Nutrition (FAN) Innovation Center. University of Illinois works with JJK Foundation, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, and Lansdowne UP on this 24,000-square-foot space demonstrating how food, science, and innovation help people thrive. Also collaborated on agricultural programming, STEAM education, and the passive solar greenhouse.
• Donald Danforth Plant Science CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on the FAN Innovation Center (24,000 sq ft) focused on food, agriculture, and nutrition innovation. Collaboration with JJK Foundation, University of Illinois, and Lansdowne UP to provide educational programming in agriculture, nutrition, and entrepreneurialism.
• Lansdowne UPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on FAN Innovation Center and youth workforce development programs. Scott Loeffler served as Director of Operations for Lansdowne UP before joining JJK Foundation. Joint efforts in agriculture, STEAM, food innovation, nutrition, and entrepreneurialism.
• World Wide Technology RacewayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for Youth iRacing League and Soap Box Derby competition. Sent 4 students to compete in St. Louis Jaycees Soap Box Derby. Also hosts annual JJK 5K Run & Walk during NASCAR Cup Series weekend.
• ITI InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerU.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski and ITI Institute visited University of Illinois to observe AI and autonomous farming technologies. While not a direct partner with JJK, the University of Illinois is a key collaborator on the FAN Innovation Center.
• Ameren IllinoisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAmeren Illinois teamed up with JJK Foundation to help community members without air conditioners, demonstrating community support and corporate partnership.
• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJJK Foundation collaborated with SIUE Early Head Start Program. Jackie Joyner-Kersee congratulated SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start parents for completing Financial Literacy Class.
• Southwestern Illinois CollegeminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerScott Loeffler taught as instructor for Southwestern Illinois College construction pre-apprenticeship called Highway Construction Career Training Program. Connection to workforce development for youth.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Peers

• Positive Coaching Alliance:

Broad incumbents

• National Urban League: Large national civil rights and urban-advocacy organization operating youth-development, education, and workforce programs. Comparable mission serving underserved urban communities with broader civic scope.
• YMCA of the USA: Large, established national nonprofit offering youth programs, athletics, summer camps, and educational services through local chapters. Comparable mission and service mix, but with a vastly larger footprint and broader programming than JJK's single-site model.
• National 4-H Council: National youth-development organization delivering STEM, agriculture, leadership, and athletics programming with a strong SEL/character-development curriculum. Comparable as a multi-pillar youth development platform, but at far larger scale.

Direct peers

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National federation of community-based youth clubs offering after-school programs, athletics, and SEL across the U.S. Directly comparable as a youth-development nonprofit with similar mission, programs, and donor-funded model.
• Police Athletic League (PAL): National youth-development nonprofit focused on athletics, mentoring, and after-school programs for at-risk youth in urban communities. Directly comparable in athletics-led youth development serving underserved populations.
• KIPP Foundation: National charter school network serving underserved communities with K-12 academics plus enrichment. JJK Academy is comparable as a school-based youth-development platform in an underserved community.
• After-School All-Stars: National nonprofit providing comprehensive after-school programs to underserved youth, including academics, athletics, and enrichment. Comparable model serving similar communities with multi-pillar programming.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: National nonprofit providing youth mentoring and development services to at-risk youth. Comparable as a mission-driven youth development organization relying on donor funding and measurable outcomes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/jjkfoundation
• Facebookfacebook.com/jjkfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/jjkfoundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/thejjkfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation