When I finished Andre Agassi’s book, OPEN, I developed a new appreciation for one of the world’s greatest tennis players. The book reached No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list in November 2009 and the paperback version goes on sale Aug. 10, 2010. It’s the story of a tenacious athlete who never gives up. It’s also about a boy who grows into a man and realizes that giving back to his community is as good, or even better, than winning a Grand slam.
In 1994, at the age of 24, he created the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation. First, he built a shelter in Las Vegas for abused and neglected children. Next, he created the Andre Agassi Boys and Girls club where he established an elite tennis club.
Even though Andre wasn’t enthusiastic about education as a child and never graduated high school, later in life he was quoted as saying “a good education is the best way to change a child’s life.”
In 2001, he started the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy public charter school in West Las Vegas for underprivileged children going into grades 3rd – 5th grade. Each year after, the school expanded to finally educating children in grades K-12. In June 2009, his inaugural graduating class celebrated a commencement ceremony with a 100 percent graduation and college acceptance rate.
Married to Steffi Graf, a superstar in the tennis world, the two are busy raising two children, promoting education reform, and raising funds for their foundations. I talked with Julie Pippenger, Chief Operating Officer of the Academy, to learn more about Andre the man and philanthropist.
JW: How does a child qualify to enter the Agassi Academy?
JP: Because the demand for admission is greater than the maximum enrollment, we have to enroll strictly by lottery. First we look at economically disadvantaged applicants that have a sibling already attending the school and live within a two-mile radius of the school.
JW: In Andre’s book, OPEN, he shares that many entertainers, sports superstars, and politicians visit the academy and teach a class. Who was a memorable guest?
JP: In 2004, while in Las Vegas, President Bill Clinton visited the Agassi Academy and taught a short, impromptu class.
JW: When students complete the program and graduate, does the Agassi Academy offer college scholarships?
JP: Yes, as long as the students meet the scholarships criteria. The scholarship fund continues to grow through numerous donors, so we make sure every child gets the opportunity.
JW: Can you share a success story of one of the students:
JP: We are proud of every student. The true success story is every senior who graduates and attends college. The real success of Agassi Prep will start when the students return to Las Vegas as professionals and become community leaders who will set an example for future generations. One of the reasons this school is a success is that everyone involved in the school strives to provide a first-class education.
JW: Do Andre and Steffi have any vacation plans this summer?
JP: They travel to Germany every summer. Steffi wants their children to be with family and friends from her homeland.
On October 9th, Grammy winners, Sir Elton John and Rob Thomas, under the musical direction of David Foster, will headline the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education’s 15th Grand Slam for Children Benefit concert at the Wynn Las Vegas. Since 1995, the Grand Slam for Children has raised nearly $82 million dollars. For more information on the Grand Slam for Children, or to get involved, contact julie@agassi.net or go to www.agassifoundation.org
Jill Weinlein is a mom to two daughters and an award winning journalist for Family Magazine Group.
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