WHAT IS CONNOR KIDS ACADEMY?
Connor Kids Academy is a three-year enrichment program for boys that makes our impact through the power of sports. During 5th through 7th grades, committed participants have a life-changing year-round experience through in-person events — including our summer sports camp — and a custom app. We partner with local college sports teams and other uniquely influential people to focus on two educational pillars: maintaining healthy habits and making good choices. The entire program is provided at no cost.
IS CONNOR KIDS ACADEMY A SPORTS CAMP?
No. The Academy is a multi-faceted year-round enrichment program. Our summer sports camp is one component. Our participants engage weekly on our app throughout the year and gather in the Fall and Spring for more in-person events.
IS IT FOR ELITE ATHLETES OR ADVANCED SKILLS DEVELOPMENT?
Not at all! We are not focused on skills development or intense competition. Participants should be interested in sports and enjoy being physically active, but do not need to be the best player on their team — or be on a team at all. Participants must strive to be good teammates and should be comfortable focusing on life goals in addition to sports goals.
HOW DO I ENROLL IN CONNOR KIDS ACADEMY?
We run a “rolling” enrollment window from January through April each year. During that time, we enroll current 4th-graders who will be starting 5th grade in the Fall. Enrollment is limited across our various cities, so we encourage your family to enroll as soon as you can. Begin the enrollment process today to lock in a spot.
WHAT IS THE CRITERIA FOR ENROLLMENT?
To enroll in Connor Kids Academy, you must:
1. Be a rising 5th grader (in 4th grade when you submit your enrollment).
2. Make a three-year commitment, which includes attending all in-person events and using our app at least three days per week.
3. Live in or very close to one of our cities (can attend a public, charter, or private school).
WHAT IS THE COMMITTMENT YOU EXPECT?
Participants are enrolled in Connor Kids Academy during their 5th, 6th, and 7th grade years. Because the only “entry point” is the spring before 5th grade begins, our participants are part of a very selective group with access to our programming. To ensure each participant gets the most out of his experience, he and his family must commit to:
- Attending all three days of our yearly summer sports camp.
- Engaging on our app at least three days a week.
- Attending our Fall and Spring events.
- Participating safely and respectfully online and in person.
IS OUR SCHOOL INVOLVED?
Some local elementary schools partner with us to share information about our program with their 4th-grade families. This does not guarantee enrollment. Boys can attend any school (public, charter, or private) as long as they are located in or very close to one of our cities. If you want us to partner with your elementary school, please let us know by emailing us at admin@connorkidsacademy.org.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Connor Kids Academy is provided at no cost.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE SUMMER CAMP?
One of our in-person events is a summertime multi-day sports camp in partnership with a local college athletic department. The event is not a traditional sports camp — it’s much more. In addition to drills, contests, and scrimmages, we tour a college campus, learn during educational sessions, and hear from influential people inside and outside the sports world. Participants eat healthy meals together and cheer for the winners of our daily and whole-camp awards. Families are invited to attend the closing award ceremony on the final day.
WHO ARE THE ADULTS AT THE SUMMER SPORTS CAMP?
Staff from local schools, leagues, and rec centers coach small teams of 6-8 participants and lead the educational sessions. Players and coaches from our local university partner are on-site as well. ProCamps is the operational partner of Connor Kids Academy, and their staff make sure the event runs smoothly. Connor Group Kids & Community Partners employees support during the event, including our full-time Connor Kids Academy Director, who oversees the program year-round.
CAN WE SIGN UP FOR THE SUMMER SPORTS CAMP BY ITSELF?
No. We do not offer it, or anything, as a standalone experience. Before enrolling in Connor Kids Academy, parents and participants make a three-year commitment, which includes attending all in-person events and using our app at least three days a week.
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE APP?
Participants engage on our app in a variety of ways, earning points to redeem for rewards. First, the app makes it easy to track daily habits and set weekly goals. In addition, there are dozens of activities available, from exercise videos to inspirational stories to opportunities to share an opinion. We also display a leaderboard for each city and for the entire country — it helps our participants stay motivated to continue their progress.
HOW OFTEN DO PARTICIPANTS ENGAGE ON THE APP?
Participants engage at least three days a week on our app for the duration of the three-year program. This is part of the commitment each parent and participant make upon enrollment.
HOW DO I GET HELP WITH THE APP?
The app is very important to our participants’ success in the Academy, so we prioritize responding quickly to your app-related questions or comments. You'll usually hear back from us the same day or next day. Email us at admin@connorkidsacademy.org.
IS CONNOR KIDS ACADEMY GROWING?
Yes! In Summer 2021, we launched the Dayton Academy. In Summer 2022, we started the Cincinnati Academy. And in Summer 2023, we welcomed participants to our new Louisville Academy. We aim to expand the Academy to up to 10 cities by 2027.
HOW IS CONNOR KIDS ACADEMY FUNDED?
We are a program of The Connor Group Kids & Community Partners, which is the non-profit arm of The Connor Group, a Dayton-based real estate investment firm. Its non-profit “activist investment” work began a decade ago. Connor Kids Academy, a 501(c)(3) organization, is an investment in health and educational outcomes for kids.