Finish the Race

Student Development Program

Serving student-athletes in after school and summer programs by providing high level training programs, academic enrichment, mentorship and leadership development, and college preparation and recruiting assistance.

Program Offerings

We aim to provide after school programming that leads to the holistic development of our students. Our program gives our students access to leaders in the community that help our students grow physically, mentally, and spiritually, and open doors to new opportunities.

  • Our FTR training program focuses on developing athletes through structured, high-quality training sessions and practices that emphasize the fundamentals of strength training, speed and agility, and injury prevention and mobility. Training is led by experienced coaches who teach athletes how to train with purpose, compete the right way, and take care of their bodies. The program builds consistency, confidence, and work ethic that carry over into both sport and everyday life.

  • We partner with local teachers to provide academic guidance to our students. Our teachers offer tutoring in core subjects and SAT prep, as well as track academic progress among our students.

  • Our mentorship and leadership development program is built into how we coach and train every day. Coaches and mentors work closely with student-athletes to set goals, hold them accountable, and build habits around discipline, time management, and communication. Community leaders are regularly brought in to lead conversations on topics like financial literacy, career pathways, and life after sports, helping students make informed decisions and plan for their future.

  • We help student-athletes prepare for college by providing guidance through the recruiting and application process. Coaches assist with college preparation, communication with college programs, and realistic next-step planning based on each athlete’s goals. The program also organizes college visit trips so students can experience campuses firsthand and better understand their options after high school.

Program Pillars

Holistic Development

We emphasize holistic development by supporting athletes mentally, physically, and spiritually. Through tutoring, training, mentorship, and intentional reflection, students are encouraged to understand who they are, what they’re working toward, and how their choices shape their future. The program helps athletes discover purpose beyond sport while building the discipline and confidence to pursue it.

Access & Exposure

We work to expand access and exposure for student-athletes by connecting them to people, resources, and experiences they may not otherwise encounter. Through relationships with coaches, community leaders, colleges, and professionals—and opportunities to travel for competition and college visits—students gain insight into new paths and possibilities. These experiences are designed to open doors, broaden perspective, and help shape confident, informed decisions about their future.

Post-High School Success

Our program’s goal is to see students succeed beyond the program and after high school. Support is focused on helping athletes develop the habits, confidence, and decision-making skills needed for long-term success in college, careers, and life. The program measures success not just by academic and athletic outcomes, but by how well students are prepared to take ownership of their future.

Donate to Our FTR Program

Your support ensures our ability to continue to offer our programs at no cost for all of our student athletes in Detroit.