We look forward to partnering with you to empower student success. At IAPTS, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to excel—both in the classroom and on the field.
IAPTS (Improved Academic Performance Through Sports) was founded in 2022 in Maryland and earned its official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 2024.
From the very beginning, our mission has been clear:
to help young people reach their full potential by combining the discipline of athletics with the power of education.
Through this vision, we aim to bridge the gap between academic achievement and athletic participation, ensuring that every student, regardless of circumstance, has access to opportunity, mentorship, and growth.
Our philosophy is simple but transformative: sports can change lives.
As research from Claremont McKenna College scholar Nicole Cooper Franklin notes:
“Sports may help students build discipline, set goals, organize time, and develop self-confidence. Once athletes learn to transfer these skills to academics, they can further their success inside the classroom.”
At IAPTS, we harness that connection to help students thrive both academically and personally.
By teaching focus, perseverance, and teamwork through athletics, we empower students to carry those same strengths into their studies and future careers.
We recognize that many students face challenges that limit their ability to participate in sports or stay engaged academically.
Barriers such as limited team spots, behavioral struggles, or financial hardship can hold talented young people back.
That’s why IAPTS works closely with:
Students in community sports programs who need academic and personal support.
Students seeking to rejoin school teams, offering tutoring, mentoring, and advocacy.
Athletes with financial need, providing access to equipment, scholarships, and college counseling.
Our programs ensure that students succeed—no matter their starting point.
Across Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, IAPTS partners with schools to identify and support student-athletes throughout their high school journey.
Each year, we select eligible students to apply for college scholarships, rewarding both academic effort and athletic dedication.
Students demonstrate their commitment by:
Completing a formal application
Writing a personal essay
Securing references from teachers or mentors
Through these opportunities, we help students open doors to higher education and lifelong success.
Our work thrives through collaboration—with teachers, coaches, mentors, and community organizations who share our belief that education and sports are tools for empowerment.
Together, we are building a network of support that fosters confidence, resilience, and achievement among Maryland’s youth.
We invite educators, parents, and local leaders to join us in shaping brighter futures.
By investing in students today, we’re building the leaders of tomorrow.
Whether through volunteering, mentorship, donations, or partnership, your involvement strengthens our mission and helps more students reach their potential.
