KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan University Athletics through Broncos Empowered and in partnership with the Police Athletic League through Kalamazoo Public Safety, Kalamazoo Promise, and Kalamazoo Public Schools, is proud to introduce Kazoo All-Stars Empowered: A Student-Athlete Mentorship Program. This 12-week initiative is designed to guide middle school athletes as they transition into high school sports and academics, providing them with essential skills for success both on and off the field.

Kazoo All-Stars Empowered will connect middle school students with WMU student-athletes in a structured mentorship program, offering guidance in leadership, academic success, and personal development. Through bi-weekly sessions, participants will work on goal-setting, time management, and communication skills, ensuring they are prepared for future challenges.

What the Program Covers:

• Mentorship Pairing – Middle school students are matched with WMU student-athletes for personalized guidance and support.
• Workshops & Guest Speakers – Interactive sessions focus on leadership, mental health, study skills, financial literacy, and career readiness.
• Academic & Athletic Growth – Participants learn effective time management, study habits, and strategies to balance academics and sports.
• Community Engagement – Students build connections, expand their networks, and contribute through service projects.

The program will culminate in a graduation ceremony, where participants will reflect on their progress and set future goals for their academic and athletic journeys.

"At WMU Athletics, we prioritize creating meaningful connections between our student-athletes and the community, relationships that last well beyond their time here," said Julian Jones, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Broncos Empowered and Championship Culture. "Giving back is important, and we want our athletes to understand what it means to be servant leaders. A lot of young kids in our community look up to college athletes, and we see it as both an honor and a responsibility to give back. Through these efforts, we aim to foster lasting connections that make a difference for years to come."

This initiative, part of the Broncos Empowered program, underscores the commitment of WMU Athletics and its partners to fostering positive youth development and strengthening the Kalamazoo community through education and athletics.