Empower ME Academy

Empower ME Academy offers group courses, seasonal clinics, competitive teams, leader evaluation, foundation sessions, and an enrollment form for leadership development and high-level basketball. The program serves ages 11 to 16. Seasonal clinics are held during school breaks, and the leader evaluation includes basic drills for 60 minutes and a family conversation for 15 minutes. Foundation sessions include private or small-group sessions after a successful evaluation, with exclusive privates and semi-privates.

Programs

• Group Courses — A structured pathway for student-athletes committed to long-term growth, on and off the court.
• Seasonal Clinics — Held during school breaks; camp-style experiences available to all skill levels, with or without an evaluation.
• Competitive Teams — Elite coaching and monthly tournaments for student-athletes who are ready to compete, grow, and lead.
• Leader Evaluation — Basic drills to determine skill level (60 minutes) and a family conversation (15 minutes).
• Foundation Sessions — Private or small-group sessions after a successful evaluation, including exclusive privates and semi-privates.
• Tuition Support Program — Tuition support awards for young people; awards never need to be repaid.

At a glance

• Ages: 11–16 years old

About the provider

Empower ME Academy has been active since 2013. Coach Jerome Gumbs is the Founder, CEO, and Executive Director. The program is a nonprofit social enterprise and 501c3 in San Francisco Bay Area. Its mission is to unlock each young human’s leadership potential for a lifetime of achievement and meaningful impact in sports and life. The program notes that 30% of EMA students receive tuition assistance or support, and tuition support awards never need to be repaid.

• Enrollment Form — Enrollment form for leadership development meets high-level basketball.

Boys and girls train side by side, and everyone is held to the same standard: respect, hard work, and showing up for each other. Tuition support awards never need to be repaid. Applicants must maintain above-average academic grades and a positive attitude. The evaluation consists of basic drills (60 minutes) and a family conversation (15 minutes).

What families say

“The Academy has not only helped me as a basketball player, but also as a leader and person. I feel as if I’m a completely different person than who I was when I started.” — Nisha Zemlin, Student

“We are so inspired and touched by EMA's commitment to helping each child self-reflect, turn challenges into opportunities, and in turn builD confidence that comes from the inside!” — Nisba Husain, Parent

Last updated September 16, 2026.