A Lynbrook High School Senior is Transforming the Athletic Landscape

A Lynbrook High School senior, Satvik Rao, is gaining recognition for making an impact not only on the court, but off of it as well. His nonprofit, Jumpstart Sports Foundation (JSF), aims at providing sports kits to organizations that house marginalized communities, enabling them to engage in their athletic passions.

With a vision to level the playing field for all athletes, JSF has raised over $1,600 and formed partnerships with 6 local organizations in the Bay Area: Boys and Girls Club, LifeMoves, Salvation Army, Oakland Education Public Fund, Community United, and New Hope for Youth.

Each sports kit includes essential sports gear such as balls, cones, and athletic gear. Additionally, his kits come with backpacks filled with stationery supplies. In doing this, Satvik is doing his best to bridge the gap between school and sports, and inspire the next generation of student athletes in the Bay Area.

“Sports and education are two of the most essential aspects of my life,” Rao said. “By providing both stationary items and equipment together, we’re giving these student athletes the resources they need to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom, regardless of their background.”

Satvik’s nonprofit hosts three other members from his school basketball team who have contributed tremendously to this project. Together, they have raised money by competing in grant competitions, coaching basketball, and even providing local car washes to their community.

In the future, Satvik plans to expand this project internationally. “We’ve already held some conversations about partnering with international organizations to take our mission worldwide,” he says. “The goal is to inspire a future in which children don’t have to choose between sports and education; they can have both.”