Project Flex is a joint research and outreach program of Northern Illinois University and Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles that uses the power of pickleball to help youth 14-20 who are incarcerated build a love of the game, experience the community atmosphere of the sport, and develop leadership skills and resilience. Graduate students lead the charge through year-round weekly sessions, which include a combination of physical training, competitions, and leadership development activities. 

Our goal is to use pickleball to be a transformative experience that builds resilience and connects young people with mentors and other pickleball enthusiasts, as the program is hosted at public community courts. The structured, supportive environment empowers these young people to apply skills in real-life settings, enhancing their overall rehabilitation journey.

Here are just a few memorable testimonials from our participants:

Never in my life have I been able to go to a park and just be able to enjoy it like I do on pickleball days. (R., age 18)

When I started I didnt even know what pickleball was. Now I'm gonna play til I go pro. (W., age 19)

My best pickleball moment was the first day I got to go up to some lady at the park and ask if I could play with her. And even though she was old, she whooped me every game. (C., age 16)

My most memorable pickleball moment was when I got to volunteer at a pickleball tournament. I got to talk to all the players and they didn't act different cuz of my background. I also realized there are a lot of people out there that can beat me. (J., age 20)

Your donation funds: Pickleball Instruction and Mentorship; Community Tournament Participation; Reentry and Reintegration Support (i.e., covering tournament fees, gear, transportation to access free or low-cost local courts, etc.).

Contact: Jenn Jacobs, PhD, Co-Founder of Project Flex & Associate Professor of Sport Psychology  

Email:  Projectflex.niu@gmail.com 

Website:  www.projectflex.org

Thank you for helping us change the lives of young people through pickleball!