VIDEO – Cornerback Will Allen didn’t just want to give back to his hometown of Dayton, Ohio, but to Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh as well, the cities where his NFL career have taken him since he was drafted by the Buccaneers in 2004. That’s why he founded the Will Allen Foundation five years ago, an organization that is focused on preparing kids for their future.
“We help mentor high school students to become more proactive with their futures,” Allen said. “We help them become more competent in terms of business etiquette and everything financial and on the education side including college.”
Whether they are preparing students for college or business life, the Will Allen Foundation strives to inspire kids to always reach for their best. “We do ACT and SAT preparation,” Allen said.
“We want them to be ready when it comes to making bigger decisions and being adults. I’ve been doing this since 2006 and I love impacting kids and our youth for tomorrow.”
The foundation is based around a program called “Quest for Real Life Success,” in which students are assisted in developing character and integrity. Through addressing key areas of development such as education, health, self-empowerment, and community service, among others, the foundation helps mold students and gives them the proper tools to succeed down the line.
The Quest program united students with local business owners, giving them an opportunity to see a tangible example of how hard work can pay off. While Allen and the foundation have seen results in improved grades, they also expect that students will improve in all aspects of their lives from the skills learned in the after-school program.
Allen, in his second season with the Steelers, is greatly enjoying playing in Pittsburgh. “The organization and the Rooneys embody what football is and what being part of a team is,” said Allen.
“They create an atmosphere conducive to winning. I love it and I love playing for those guys and the community in Pittsburgh. It’s second to none. It’s just an awesome experience every day.”
For more information on Allen and the foundation, visit www.willallenfoundation.com.
