JJK ACADEMY
The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Academy opened the doors to its inaugural school year Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 8:00 AM. Scholars were welcomed with open arms and loving hearts by Mrs. Jackie Joyner-Kersee, members of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation and overwhelming support from the surrounding East St. Louis community. It has long been a dream of Mrs. Jackie to assist in the overall growth and development of every child. It is her life’s work to ensure the mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness of every child that she encounters as they matriculate through life.
JJK ACADEMY
The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Academy opened the doors to its inaugural school year Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 8:00 AM. Scholars were welcomed with open arms and loving hearts by Mrs. Jackie Joyner-Kersee, members of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation and overwhelming support from the surrounding East St. Louis community.
ABOUT
We share the mission of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation “To carry out Jackie’s dream to provide youth in East St. Louis the opportunity to win in life. As well as the value of the Foundation to become a nationally recognized Foundation for empowering youth.
The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Academy uses BJU Press curriculum as the tool of choice for learning. Our students have daily access to highly devoted, loving, and qualified teachers who engage them in meaningful programs, which include STEM, agriculture, and the globally impactful Jackie Joyner-Kersee Winning in Life ® program. Out of class learning opportunities are also provided to our Academy scholars, as we participate in field trips to learning facilities including the Science Center, The Magic House Made and the St. Louis Zoo. With a brand-new school comes brand-new equipment! Each classroom has been furnished with new desks, chairs, and books for each scholar, as well as new desks, chairs, and desktop computers for each teacher. Though still young, the Jackie Joyner Kersee Academy has forged meaningful relationships and partnered with reputable entities in the surrounding area. Our Partnerships with Maryville University, University of Illinois 4-H, Allsup Charitable Services, The Danforth Science Center, Familia Dental Dentistry, Eye Thrive, and the East St. Louis Police and Fire Departments have proven to be beneficial to our scholars, as each partner has graciously given their time, finances or services to our scholars. The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Academy may be small in numbers, but we have proven to do amazing things so far. With our continued efforts to connect and gain partnerships, the sky is the limit as to where this special Academy can and will go.
Through tireless work and a commitment to ensuring every youth is given the opportunity to achieve greatness, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation has grown to become a safe haven and learning-rich environment for area youth. Where the challenges and limitations of one of America’s most notoriously deadly and impoverished cities will never define where a child can go, or who they can become.
