Larry Hughes remembers the kinds of choices many families in St. Louis have to make — deciding which activities they can afford and which opportunities their children have to miss.
That reality, he said, pushed him to create something different: a program where cost would not stand in the way of participation and where basketball could be used to teach lessons beyond the court.
That idea became Developing Peak Performers, an after-school initiative launched through his Foundation for Success. The program began in March at Lift For Life Academy’s elementary school, offering students structured time after school for athletics, academics and mentorship.
The effort reflects a broader push to reach students during after-school hours with a mix of basketball training, STEAM learning and life-skills development. The program is designed to support students both in and out of the classroom, particularly in communities where access to structured, affordable programming can be limited.
“For us, it’s about building relationships and giving kids tools they can use every day,” Hughes said. “When kids are excited to come to school because they know they get to be part of something like this afterward — that’s what makes it worthwhile.”
At Lift For Life Academy, the partnership behind Developing Peak Performers began with an unexpected connection. Elementary principal Danielle Price said she first crossed paths with Hughes through her involvement in women’s tackle football with the St. Louis Slam. Members of his team saw her play, which eventually led to bringing the program into the school.
For Price, the fit was immediate.
“Some of the kids at school gravitate toward the basketball court, while others don’t have access to basketball,” she said, noting the program’s no-cost model helps remove barriers that often prevent students from participating in extracurricular activities.
Since launching, the program has become part of the school’s after-school routine. Students stay once a week for structured sessions led by Hughes and his team — something Price said made an immediate impression, with students energized by his presence from the start.
“That enthusiasm has only grown,” Price said. The demand quickly increased, forcing the school to cap enrollment.
Beyond excitement, Price said she has seen noticeable changes in students’ confidence and behavior. The program is helping students build teamwork, problem-solving skills and resilience that carry over into the classroom, she said.
For Price, the program aligns closely with the school’s broader mission of expanding opportunities for students. A key goal, she said, is ensuring every child has access to meaningful experiences, especially those they might not otherwise encounter.
Hughes said removing financial barriers was central to the program’s design, giving more students access to consistent instruction and mentorship. Unlike traditional sports programs, he said Developing Peak Performers emphasizes both athletic fundamentals and personal growth, reinforcing communication, teamwork and confidence.
Mentorship is also a central part of the program. Hughes said exposing students to opportunities beyond athletics — particularly in science, technology, engineering, arts and math — can help them see how different interests connect and open doors for their future.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis President and CEO Brandon Williams said after-school hours remain one of the most important periods in a young person’s day, particularly for students who may lack access to structured activities or mentorship.
“The data shows that the hours immediately following the school day are some of the most critical in a young person’s life,” Williams said. “Organizations that invest in youth during those hours help close academic, social and economic gaps that too many young people face.”
Williams said students with access to safe, supportive environments after school are more likely to stay academically engaged, avoid risky behaviors and build confidence.
“Young people simply need a safe place, consistent encouragement, positive adult relationships and an environment where they can discover their strengths,” he said.
In its first year, Developing Peak Performers’ success will be measured by more than performance on the court. The program is tracking school attendance and working with teachers and administrators to encourage academic progress.
Hughes said the goal is to see students become more engaged in school and develop leadership skills they can carry into their communities.
The program is expected to expand to additional schools and community sites across the St. Louis area, with a fundraising luncheon scheduled for June 4 to support its growth.