Shoot for the Stars has been educating students since 1980, and has been a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization since 2011.
Shoot for the Stars was founded by NBA Hall of Famer Wali Jones, and Ken Hamilton, retired basketball coach, who retired as the all-time wins leader at Benjamin Franklin High School basketball. Shoot for the Stars is devoted to making a difference in the lives of young people. Our coaching staff consists of retired educators, coaches and professional athletes who are committed to using athletics as a socialization mechanism. You can feel confident in the fact that your child will not only learn the fundamentals of the sport, but also learn life skills that will help them develop positive relationships with their peers and seek healthy alternatives to alcohol and substance abuse.
What makes Shoot for the Stars different is the intangible benefits our youngsters realize. However it’s not just about basketball. We go beyond helping our charges become better basketball players – we encourage them to become better human beings. We place an emphasis on human development training, which includes peer leadership, study skills, time management and critical thinking skills.
Board Members
Ernest “Pop” Jones
Donald Hackney
William Jones
Wilma Jones
James Sadler
Officers
Wali Jones, President
Kenneth Hamilton, Vice President & Treasurer
Karen Gilliam, Secretary