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Life Skills Program

Preparing Young Men for Life—Not Just the Next Game

At The Gillion Academy, we know that success in life takes more than talent. That’s why we provide intentional, daily training in the skills that help boys grow into mature, capable, and confident young men. Our Life Skills Program is integrated into the academic and athletic experience—reinforcing discipline, leadership, and purpose in everything we do.

We don’t just coach boys to play.
We coach them to lead, to manage responsibility, and to own their future.

Core Pillars of the Life Skills Program

1. Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship

  • Introduction to budgeting, saving, and investing

  • Business fundamentals and how money works

  • Real-world case studies of entrepreneurship and athlete finance

  • Understanding contracts, scholarships, and NIL (name/image/likeness)

Boys learn how to handle money, think long-term, and build economic self-respect.

3. College & Career Readiness

  • SAT/ACT prep and college application coaching

  • Exposure to trade programs, entrepreneurship paths, and NCAA compliance

  • Guest speakers from professional sports, business, education, and more

  • Field trips and post-secondary exposure opportunities

We expand boys’ vision beyond high school—showing them what’s possible and how to get there.

2. Leadership & Accountability

  • Weekly leadership challenges and reflections

  • Student-led responsibilities and public speaking opportunities

  • Modeling servant leadership: helping teammates, mentoring younger students

  • Chores and responsibilities that reinforce respect for space, time, and others

Responsibility isn’t taught in a lecture—it’s lived daily.

4. Character & Community Engagement

  • Book clubs focused on themes like grit, discipline, and purpose

  • Weekly discussion groups led by staff and coaches

  • Community service and volunteer hour tracking

  • Culture-building through respect, discipline, and gratitude

Boys grow stronger when they understand they’re part of something bigger than themselves.

Mentorship That Lasts

Our coaches and educators serve as consistent adult role models throughout the day—reinforcing life lessons during academic sessions, on the court, and in casual moments. This constant presence creates a safe space to fail, learn, and grow—a foundation boys need to develop emotional maturity and real-world competence.

Built Into the Daily Culture

This isn’t an “add-on” program—it’s part of the rhythm of life at Gillion Academy. From morning chores and group check-ins to guest speakers and weekend projects, boys are challenged every day to step into adulthood with clarity and confidence.

At Gillion, we don’t just prepare student-athletes for the next level.
We prepare them for life.