MEET the AJT Academy
The AJT Academy is the signature student-athlete development initiative of the AJ Terrell Jr. Foundation. Created to help close opportunity gaps for student-athletes, the Academy partners with Atlanta-area high schools to ensure that athletics becomes a launch pad—not an escape hatch—for future success.
Through Academic Athletic Coaches, leadership development, academic support, career exploration, mentorship, and real-world experiences, the Academy equips student-athletes with the tools to succeed in the classroom, compete with purpose, and lead in their schools and communities.
At its core, the AJT Academy is built around a simple idea: invest in the whole student-athlete and create opportunities that extend far beyond the game.
About The 24
Throughout the year, members of The 24 gain access to leadership development, mentorship, community service, career exploration, networking, and exclusive experiences—with additional opportunities for internships, scholarships, and ongoing mentorship available to participants.
Selection isn’t about being the best athlete or having the highest GPA. We’re looking for students who demonstrate leadership potential, character, resilience, compassion, and commitment—including students who may not yet recognize those qualities in themselves.
We believe great leaders come from every team, every classroom, and every background.
The 24 is the AJT Academy’s premier Student-Athlete Leadership Program.
Each year, 24 student-athletes from AJT Academy partner schools are selected for an intensive, year-long leadership experience designed to identify potential, expand opportunity, and prepare young people to lead.
The AJ Terrell Jr. Foundation invests more than $3,000 in every student admitted to The 24, providing programming, experiences, resources, and opportunities at no cost to participating families.
Who Can Apply for the 24?
The 24 is open to student-athletes attending participating AJT Academy schools who:
Will enter 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in Fall 2026
Are academically eligible to participate in school athletics
Are ready to grow, participate, and challenge themselves as leaders
There is no minimum GPA beyond maintaining athletic eligibility, and applicants do not need to be star athletes, team captains, or already-established leaders to be considered.
We’re looking for potential—not perfection.
How to apply
The application is designed to help us understand who you are beyond your grades, statistics, awards, or accomplishments.
Students will provide basic information about themselves and their athletic involvement, complete short video responses, and receive parent or guardian approval to participate.
Apply online: connect.advisesportsent.com/apply
Important Dates
September 3: Application Deadline
September 15: Admitted Students Notified
September 26: Student-Athlete Leadership Conference & Induction
October 18: The 24 Orientation & Signing Day
Submitting an application does not guarantee admission. Each cohort is intentionally selected to bring together student-athletes with different personalities, strengths, experiences, and perspectives who have the potential to make an impact on their teams, schools, and communities.
Our Vision
We believe student-athletes deserve more than a scholarship dream—they deserve systems that help them succeed no matter what path they take. Our goal is to expand the AJT Academy to serve 1,500+ students across 5 schools by 2028 and to build a model that can be replicated statewide.
We envision a future where:
Coaches are mentors, not just managers
Students are known for their leadership, not just their stats
School communities are empowered to support the whole athlete
