OUR ORIGIN STORY - MARCH 9, 2016

Founded in 2016 by Tracy A. Jones, the T. Alexander Foundation, now known as PA4WN™ Lab, was born out of a deep concern for the well-being of student-athletes who excelled in sports but lacked crucial academic, character, and career development. Recognizing that athletes often become pawns in the sporting ecosystem, used solely for the advancement of others, the organization sought to change this narrative and empower student-athletes, families, and coaches for life beyond competition.

In steadfast dedication to our founding mission of Preparing Athletes For What's Next, PA4WN™ Lab forges collaborations with educational institutions, grassroots organizations, and corporations. Together, we delve into profound insights, facilitate transformative workshops, and provide coaching to all members of the athletic ecosystem, guiding them toward their next steps. Our ultimate goal is to educate, inspire, and empower student-athletes, enabling them to uncover their true passions, talents, and purposes in life.

As our organization evolved, we proudly secured the trademark for our powerful PA4WN™ tagline. This pivotal achievement led to a name change, transforming us into PA4WN™ Lab. Embracing our role as a social enterprise, PA4WN™ Lab fearlessly confronts the intricate intersections of business, policy, and impact within the realm of sports. We strive to generate transformative learning movements that humanize sports and reimagine communities, igniting positive change on a broader scale.

OUR BELIEFS

SPORT IS A BUSINESS.

SPORT IS POLITICAL.

SPORT AS A UNIFYING ACTIVITY IS GOOD & BAD FOR SOCIETY!

we envision an athletic ecosystem that equitably honors the dignity and protects the agency of all its members. In the world of sports, athletes often find themselves being treated as pawns, utilized for the benefit of others and discarded once their services are no longer deemed valuable. As imperfect curators, coaches, educators, and athletes who have experienced this cycle firsthand, we are deeply committed to Preparing Athletes for What's Next (PA4WN™).

AT THE PA4WN LAB

that every moment in sport presents an opportunity to learn about the broader business, political, and societal impacts that surround it. Within the Lab, we leverage these moments as community learning experiences, creating spaces to unpack differing perspectives and challenge absolute notions regarding the purpose and nature of the game.

Central to our approach is the act of connecting others to opportunities without expecting anything in return. We thrive on collaboration, eagerly partnering with like-minded individuals and organizations to identify synergies and efficiencies that amplify our collective impact. Through this collaborative effort, we aim to create a community that reimagines the possibilities of sport, fostering an environment where equity and inclusivity thrive.

WE RECOGNIZE

to communities is characterized by care, curiosity, and flexibility. We approach our work with an open mind, valuing the exploration of new ideas and remaining adaptable in our strategies. Consistency in our presence and purpose is essential as we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of athletes and the broader sporting ecosystem. However, we remain cognizant of the potential harm that may arise unintentionally, and we actively work to mitigate such consequences through ethical and responsible practices.

OUR SERVICE

as the PA4WN™ Lab, we are dedicated to humanizing sport and reimagining community. Through our unwavering commitment and collaborative efforts, we aspire to create an inclusive and empowering athletic ecosystem where every individual's dignity and agency are respected, celebrated, and nurtured as they transition into what's next in their personal and professional journeys.

TOGETHER

Our work is made possible and thriving through the invaluable support of our incredible program partners and the institutions we have been able to serve. We recognize that the contributions of knowledge and resources from the organizations listed have been instrumental in our ability to make a meaningful impact since 2016!

HUMANIZE SPORT. REIMAGINE COMMUNITY.

FAQs

  • To get involved with our organization, simply send an email to impact@pa4wn.org, expressing your interest or sharing your thoughts. Please include the subject line: "Ready to Serve - (Your Name)". We enthusiastically welcome collaborations that promote equitable advancement within the sports ecosystem!

  • Our organization is not limited to one sport or age group - we embrace diversity and cater to a wide range of interests and demographics. However, it's important to note that we have limited capacity. As a result, we strategically select opportunities, projects, and collaborations where our talents, time, and resources can have the greatest impact while minimizing any negative consequences to the community we serve.

  • The PA4WN Lab is a DBA of the T. Alexander Foundation, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization - Tax ID: 81-1867688. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation. Donations are tax-deductible and non-refundable.

    PA4WN is a registered Trademark. All rights reserved.

  • Thank you for being so interested in supporting the work of the PA4WN Lab! We sincerely appreciate your desire to contribute. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law, and please note that no goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial contribution. Donations are both tax-deductible and non-refundable. To donate, please click on the following link: Investment Not Charity