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'414 has been great to me': Brandon Jennings launching a private middle school in Milwaukee

Drake Bentley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read
Brandon Jennings, the former Bucks player who came up with the "Bucks in six" slogan, hypes the crowd during the Bucks' celebration parade in Milwaukee following their NBA title in July 2021.
Brandon Jennings, the former Bucks player who came up with the "Bucks in six" slogan, hypes the crowd during the Bucks' celebration parade in Milwaukee following their NBA title in July 2021.

Brandon Jennings has reached legendary status among Milwaukee Bucks fans, after creating the mantra "Bucks in 6." The Bucks even had him participate in the 2021 championship parade.

Now, the former Bucks point guard is looking to leave another mark on Milwaukee, by launching a private middle school in the city.

Jennings issued a series of tweets Thursday regarding the proposed BALL City Academy. "414 has been great to me ... Time to bring different energy for the kids," wrote Jennings in a tweet.

Jennings also tweeted photos from a BALL City event, including a letter written by him to potential contributors.

"You may be wondering why Brandon Jennings wants to start a school. Well, growing up in the inner city of Compton, CA, I faced many of the same challenges kids face today," wrote Jennings in the letter.

Jennings went on to add that growing up money and resources were scarce and he did his best to avoid drugs and gang violence. Now, he wants to provide resources to youth in Milwaukee. "I want to make sure that youth have their own outlets and resources in this great city that I called home," he wrote.

According to a fact sheet tweeted by Jennings, BALL City would participate in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, which allows eligible students an opportunity to attend participating private schools.

Jennings wants to expose students to trades and "real-world readiness," according to the fact sheet. But, also prepare students for post-secondary education. The fact sheet also states that an onsite day care is planned.

B.A.L.L. City Academy, Inc. was registered in February with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the registered agent is Kristen Roloff, principal at Jerstad-Agerholm K-8 school in Racine.

"For many children, school is neither interesting nor fun," Jennings wrote. "However, with your help we can create a fun, safe, and interactive environment, where students look forward to attending school."

Contact Drake Bentley at (414) 391-5647 or DBentley1@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DrakeBentleyMJS. 

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brandon Jennings launching a private middle school in Milwaukee