Food insecurity in the U.S. surged in 2025, driven by a perfect storm of climate disasters and economic strain. Yet experts agree it’s a solvable crisis. It has left nearly 18 million households struggling to put food on the table, including one in five kids. While recent federal aid cuts have pushed food banks to the brink. The crisis demands bold solutions—exactly what former NBA star Jalen Rose is mobilizing through his leadership academy.
The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JLRA) has been doing wonders for kids since its opening in 2011 on Detroit’s northwest side. This tuition-free charter high school has been a game-changer for countless students and families. Since opening, JLRA’s wraparound services—academic coaching, mental-health counseling, and college prep—have propelled a 97 % graduation rate and universal college placement.
Earlier this year, Rose unveiled a $20 M capital campaign for a new campus—and that pledge is just one part of his recent community push. He recently made an Instagram post on his account in collaboration with @jlradetroit, @stateoftheppl, and @elliotspeaks. It was a video of him taking his audience through a food drive that the JLRA is hosting, partnered up with Forgotten Harvest. Rose kicked off the video with a laugh, “Hoodied up, nose running, JRLA. It must be a Wednesday.”
Jalen Rose continued to share, “There’s a food shortage in the United States of America, so it’s very paramount that this work is taking place.” He highlighted the importance of the food drive, especially with the current situation the United States of America is facing. “So now you see the setup, and now you see the influence.” He even hinted at the JLRA’s contribution. “We’re educating young folks in the building. We have 400 plus scholars in the building. “Another 1,000 graduates that we’re influencing for the two-year, four-year college trade school, the military.”
These stats he explicitly shared that the JLRA has contributed towards growth in children’s education, and we were almost left stunned by those. Now here’s where he revealed the new initiative that the JLRA has picked up: “But we added something this year.” He continued sharing “and I want Michelle Jasmine Allen, our incredible staff. Mr. Wingate, who’s taking the lead, and Forgotten Harvest, who decided to partner with JRLA. And also work with our young people, our scholars, to give back to the community, work with our staff to give back to the community.”
That video did more than highlight a food drive—it crystallized JRLA’s deeper purpose. Shaping students into community leaders. By involving both staff and scholars, they’re building a culture of empathy and not just academics. This initiative really speaks volumes about what Jalen Rose wants to do for the country that gave him everything. Even his caption was welcoming, where he said, “If you’re going to visit Detroit, make sure you tap in with @jrladetroit”.
Jalen Rose’s $20M Vision
The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA) is embarking on its most ambitious project yet. A $20 million capital campaign to transform the former Henry Ford Health Kingswood Hospital into a state-of-the-art high school campus. This expansion will not only double JRLA’s enrollment but also introduce a middle school program for the first time. It will be a major milestone in the academy’s mission to empower Detroit’s youth. The current high school facility will transition into a middle school for grades 6th to 8th, while the newly acquired 70,000-square-foot building at 10300 Eight Mile Road will open its doors to high school students in 2027.
Jalen Rose, the driving force behind JRLA, emphasized the vision behind this growth: “Since I founded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in 2011, my singular focus has been to prepare our community’s young people to become leaders in whatever their future holds.” This expansion is a commitment to scaling opportunity. The $20 million project isn’t just a solo one. It’s a collaboration with key partners who share JRLA’s belief in Detroit’s future. Henry Ford Health, a major supporter, has played an important role by donating the Kingswood Hospital building, laying the foundation for the academy’s next chapter. Bob Riney, CEO of Henry Ford Health, underscored the partnership’s significance: “This is the start of a meaningful partnership.”
The renovation plans include modern classrooms, STEM labs, and spaces designed to foster leadership and college readiness, all funded through the capital campaign. With backers like Platinum Equity and Pistons owner Tom Gores. The longtime supporters of JRLA’s annual Celebrity Golf Classic, the project reflects a shared investment in the city’s youth. The expansion ensures that more students will benefit from JRLA’s proven model. JRLA already boasts a 97 percent graduation rate and 100 percent college or postsecondary placement.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 26: Former American professional basketball player, current sports analyst for ESPN, and cofounder of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, Jalen Rose (L) and 12x NBA All-Star, Named 50 Greatest Players in NBA History & Hall of Famer, Isiah Thomas pose at the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy Golf Tournament presented by Tom Gores & Platinum Equity held at Detroit Golf Club at Detroit Golf Club on August 26, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images for Jalen Rose Leadership Academy Golf Classic produced by PGD Global )
Jalen Rose’s decision to step back from media roles and prioritize JRLA’s growth speaks volumes about his dedication to Detroit. Though he still leaps onto ESPN airwaves, Rose now channels his energy into JRLA’s growth. The $20 million campaign represents the culmination of his 14-year journey with JRLA. With this project, Rose is investing in Detroit’s future leaders, ensuring his impact lasts for generations.
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