WASHINGTON (7News) — The Washington Commanders ownership and the 2026 Commanders rookie class joined at KIPP DC Smilow Campus to launch the Commanders Youth Academy with a Junior Academy Pilot Program.
Starting this fall, the Junior Academy Pilot Program will provide academic and athletic programming, mentorship, and nourishing meals and snacks to 50 KIPP D.C. Smilow Campus students for three afternoons per week throughout the school year, the team announced.
“I think when you’re an NFL player and you’re NFL team, you’re obviously the Harris family, the NFL owners, you have a lot of resources, you have a lot of outreach in terms of people recognize the commanders logo, people recognize the NFL logo,” rookie linebacker Sonny Styles told 7News. “So now it’s about how do you use it? You know, I think, you know, the Commanders, I think we’re doing a good job. We’re going to use, you know, and, a great way to help the community and I’m excited to do more events in the future,” Styles added…