Inspiring Today's Youth
HUSTLEStrong provides access to positive outlets of engagement for today’s youth.
HUSTLEStrong provides access to positive outlets of engagement for today’s youth.
The HUSTLEStrong Foundation was founded in 2015 by Rasheed Walker. We are a tax-exempt (501c3) non-profit organization; through partnerships with Nashville-area athletic organizations, the foundation provides financial backing to youth athletic teams to offset the costs of participation fees, providing access to positive outlets of engagement for today’s youth.
During 2015, 20 of the 75 criminal homicides that occurred in Nashville, Tennessee, involved victims that were teenagers or young children. Not since 2009 (when the number of similar homicides rose to 80) has the city been darkened by such disparaging numbers concerning the rate of youth-centered killings and arrests. In response to this, The HUSTLEstrong Foundation has been established to partner directly with Nashville’s youth athletic organizations and decrease the growing number of young people who are at risk for statistical indicators which predict future encounters with the juvenile justice system and for those who may already entangled with the juvenile justice system.
Over time, the HUSTLEstrong Foundation will create and sustain a charitable operation that will position itself as an invaluable resource to sports organizations, young people, aspiring mentors, and the greater Nashville community at large. At its cornerstone, the HUSTLEstrong Foundation is committed to providing financial backing to athletic organizations during their playing seasons in order to offset the cost of participation fees of team players. In this way, participants will enjoy the research-backed benefits of athletic involvement which suggest a decrease in undesirable activities that may lead to drug use and other poor life.
The Nashville Pro-Am Basketball League (NPBL) is the premier source for Professional and Amateur Basketball. The league features several former NBA players, current college players, and local athletes. The NPBL is a free, six-week event is open to the public and is the premier source for basketball and entertainment during the summer in the Music City. This event offers high-level competition with players ranging from college standouts to Overseas professionals and NBA players the opportunity to showcase their talents and enhance their skills on the court.
The NPBL and HUSTLEStrong are partners and share resources with the Nashville Community.
Jeff McGruder brings a wealth of experience in personal and commercial credit analysis, financial structuring, and community outreach. With a background in banking and financial services, Jeff is dedicated to promoting financial literacy and empowering individuals to make sound financial decisions. He is actively involved in various community organizations, including serving on the board of directors for KIPP Academy Nashville.
Jordan Carrethers serves as the Founding Physical Education teacher and Athletic Director at KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School. With a passion for education and sports, Jordan is committed to building a reputable and competitive sports program while instilling positive values and fostering personal fitness goals among his students.
