Who We Are

The California Academic and Athletic Academy (CAAA) is a nonprofit youth development and educational organization based in Northern California, committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where young people can thrive. Using basketball as a “hook,” CAAA engages young men and women, helping them access high-quality educational opportunities and develop essential life skills. Our mission is to educate and empower underserved youth to become leaders, champions, and student-athletes by equipping them with the tools needed for success in high school, college, and beyond. Through academic enrichment, life skills development, emotional support, and competitive sports training, CAAA offers a holistic approach to youth development, creating opportunities for students to reach their full potential in the classroom, on the court, and in their communities.

Our Mission

To empower underserved youth in Northern California by combining educational enrichment, life skills development, mental health support, and competitive sports training to address their unique challenges and foster holistic development.

Our Vision

The California Academic and Athletic Academy (CAAA) envisions a future where every young person has the opportunity to excel academically and athletically, regardless of financial barriers. We aspire to create a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters personal growth, resilience, and leadership, empowering youth to reach their full potential and positively impact their communities. By bridging the gap between education and athletics, we aim to develop well-rounded individuals prepared to succeed in all aspects of life.

Empowering

Our History: Building a Legacy of Success

The California Academic and Athletic Academy (CAAA) was founded by Ryant Diew and Shawn Hadnot, both former Alameda County Probation Juvenile Institutional Officers. They recognized the urgent need for mentorship within underserved communities in the SF Bay Area, especially for at-risk youth. Inspired by their experiences at Juvenile Hall and their success in coaching basketball teams, they established CAAA to provide a comprehensive approach to youth development that integrates academic support, athletic training, and life skills development. This unique model aims to empower students to achieve their full potential both in academics and athletics

- Has successfully developed over 25 Division 1 athletes, including McDonald's All-Americans Marcus Lee and Brandon Ashley, NBA player Isaiah Taylor and NFL player Arik Armstead, which highlights the organization's strong athletic training program and its ability to nurture top-tier talent.

- CAAA staff have made a significant impact on the lives of at-risk youth throughout Northern California, helping them overcome challenges and pursue higher education and athletic opportunities.

- Created a comprehensive model that seamlessly combines academic support, athletic training, life skills development, and mental health resources, setting it apart from traditional educational and sports programs.

Inspire

Our Core Values

At the California Academic and Athletic Academy (CAAA), we stand firmly by our core values in everything we do. These principles guide our actions, decisions, and interactions, ensuring that we provide a supportive and empowering environment for our students. By upholding integrity, inclusivity, resilience, and teamwork, we are committed to fostering a community where every young person can thrive and achieve their full potential. Our dedication to these values drives us to make a positive impact on the lives of the youth we serve.

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Integrity and Excellence

Upholding honesty and integrity, and consistently striving for high standards in all our actions and endeavors.

Inclusivity

Creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all individuals, regardless of background, is essential for promoting a sense of belonging and inclusivity within our community.

Resilience and Lifelong Learning

Encouraging perseverance and continuous growth through challenges fosters resilience and strength in individuals, helping them develop the necessary skills to overcome obstacles and achieve success in both their personal and professional lives.

Teamwork and Leadership

Promoting collaboration, fostering a sense of community, and inspiring others to achieve their best is our top priority.

Our Method

At the California Academic and Athletic Academy (CAAA), we believe in a holistic approach to youth development that integrates comprehensive educational programming, emotional support, life skills training, and athletic development. By combining academics with athletics, we create a balanced and enriching environment where students can excel in all areas of their lives. Our programs are designed to foster personal growth, resilience, and leadership, ensuring that every student is prepared for success both on and off the court. We are dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are ready to face future challenges with confidence and determination.

- Comprehensive Educational Programming
- Emotional Support for Mental Health
- Life Skills Development

85%

Improvement in Academic Performance

100%

College Acceptance Rate

80%

Of our graduates received scholarships, collectively earning over $600,000 in financial aid

3.35

The combined GPA of our student-athletes

Empowering Minds, Transforming Lives

Our Impact and Successes in 2024

At the California Academic and Athletic Academy (CAAA), we are proud of the positive outcomes our staff and programs have achieved, demonstrating the effectiveness of our holistic approach to education and athletics. Our commitment goes beyond preparing students for college; we equip them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in life and make meaningful contributions to their communities.