Game Changers
Unitedly Presents

GAME CHANGERS PROGRAM

For AANHPI Student-Athletes in San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, and City & County of San Francisco
The Program

Lead on and off the court.

Game Changers is a one-of-a-kind leadership program for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) student-athletes who play basketball. Participants grow as leaders, on and off the court, while giving back to their communities through service, advocacy, mentorship, and leadership development.

  • Make an impact through community service and a Legacy Project
  • Build relationships with peers, mentors, and community leaders
  • Develop leadership, advocacy, and communication skills
  • Learn from athletes, coaches, elected officials, and civic leaders
  • Connect with a growing network of AANHPI youth leaders
  • Have access to exclusive leadership experiences and merchandise

Rooted in Unitedly's mission to advance equity and opportunity for Asian communities, Game Changers empowers youth to reach their full potential as athletes, advocates, and future leaders.

Game Changers is based in San Mateo County and remains open to San Mateo County student-athletes. In response to growing interest and need, Unitedly is piloting expanded eligibility for student-athletes from San Francisco and Santa Clara counties. All participants must be able to attend workshops, trainings, complete community service and their Legacy Projects, and special events primarily in San Mateo County.

Applications are now open for Fall 2026 - Summer 2027!
Application Deadline September 18 at 9pm PT
APPLICATION FORM
Our Goals

What We're Building Together

Unitedly is a San Mateo County-based nonprofit committed to ensuring Asian families and communities have equitable access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Our program goals are to:

  • Recruit and support AANHPI student-athletes as Unitedly Game Changers to elevate Unitedly's mission of equity and inclusion through youth-led visibility and action.
  • Use basketball as a tool to build leadership, civic engagement, and community advocacy skills by creating a youth-centered platform where athletes grow both on and off the court.
  • Engage Game Changers in community events as representatives and role models.
Why Basketball?

Flipping the Narrative

AANHPI athletes have long been underrepresented in mainstream sports and held back by stereotypes that overlook both their athletic talent and leadership strengths. Unitedly Game Changers is here to flip this narrative and replace it with stories of strength and pride.

Through the power of basketball, we're creating space for AANHPI student-athletes to shine, not just for their skills on the court, but for their leadership, teamwork, and vision off of it. By uplifting AANHPI youth, we're showing that our communities not only belong in the game, they're leading it and shaping it for the better.

Eligibility

Who Should Apply?

  • Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander (AANHPI) student-athletes ages 14-18
  • Entering grades 9-12 and attending high school in Fall 2026
  • Resident of San Mateo County, City/County of San Francisco, or Santa Clara County
  • Active basketball players on a school, club, or AAU team
  • Interested in leadership, community service, advocacy, and personal growth
  • Able to commit to monthly (2 or more) program activities, including: workshops, trainings, and community service opportunities, from Fall 2026 through Summer 2027
Your Role

What Will You Do?

Game Changers is a year-long program. Student participants are expected to:

  • Participate consistently in program activities, including leadership, advocacy and wellness workshops, basketball training, community events, and special experiences. Participants should expect two or more scheduled activities per month from Fall 2026 through Summer 2027.
  • Engage in mentorship opportunities with athletes, coaches, community leaders, and assigned mentors.
  • Complete at least three Unitedly community service activities throughout the program year.
  • Design, complete, and present a Legacy Project that creates a positive impact in the San Mateo County AANHPI community, culminating in a presentation at the graduation celebration.
Benefits & Incentives

You'll gain hands-on leadership experience and develop real-world skills you can carry into college, your career, or your next big game. Students who successfully complete all program requirements will have received:

  • Exclusive Game Changers merchandise and events
  • Monthly leadership development workshops & activities
  • A completion stipend (conditional, based on funding)
  • Mentorship and coaching from athletes, coaches, and community leaders
  • Recognition through social media and community events
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Opportunities to engage with civic and community leaders
  • Graduation recognition from local elected officials

This is more than a program. It's your chance to grow, lead, and make a difference!

Frequently Asked Questions

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What makes Game Changers different from other youth programs?
Game Changers is more than a basketball program. It is a leadership and community engagement program designed specifically for AANHPI student-athletes in San Mateo County, Santa Clara County, and the City/County of San Francisco. Unitedly Game Changers flips that narrative, using the power of basketball to create space for AANHPI student-athletes to shine on the court and lead in their communities. Through this program, students can build confidence, leadership skills, civic awareness, and a stronger understanding of their identity and community. Participants gain hands-on experience in public speaking, advocacy, teamwork, mentorship, wellness, and community service while connecting with athletes, coaches, nonprofit leaders, and local officials throughout the year.
Does it cost money to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the program. Unitedly Game Changers is designed to ensure students can participate regardless of financial background. Because this is a community-supported program, parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to stay involved throughout the year by volunteering, helping chaperone activities, assisting with fundraising, supporting events, or coordinating transportation when possible.
How often do students meet?
Students can expect approximately 2 or more monthly workshops, trainings, and activities throughout the program year. Additional program experiences include basketball games, basketball training sessions, cultural tours, civic engagement opportunities, leadership events, and community service activities. Exact dates may vary depending on schedules and partnerships, but students and families will always receive advance notice. To graduate from the program, students are expected to participate consistently throughout the full program year from Fall 2026 through Summer 2027, attend required workshops and activities, participate in at least three Unitedly community events, and complete one Legacy Project.
What is a Legacy Project?
The Legacy Project is the capstone project required for graduation from Game Changers. Students work individually or in groups to create a community-focused project that advances Unitedly's mission of equity, belonging, leadership, and access for Asian communities in San Mateo County. Projects may focus on community outreach, cultural education, advocacy, mentorship, wellness, or youth leadership. Students will present their Legacy Projects during the graduation celebration at the end of the program year.
How are applications scored? What does the selection process look like?

Game Changers is a competitive program. We expect to receive many strong applications and have a limited number of spots available, so please give your application the time and attention it deserves.

Every application is reviewed by an anonymous panel of Unitedly community members. Panelists never see your name, school, or any identifying details. They read and score only your written responses, which means your answers are the entire basis for the decision. After independent scoring is complete, the panel deliberates as a group before finalizing selections.

How to strengthen your application:

  • Read the instructions on the application form carefully. Each scored question tells you what we are looking for, and the strongest applications answer every part of the question asked.
  • Be specific. Concrete examples from your own life, team, family, or community are far more compelling than general statements.
  • Show us your interest in leadership, community, and growth, not just your basketball resume. We are looking for students who want to build something for others.
  • Be honest about your commitment. Tell us how you plan to make the program work alongside school, sports, and other obligations.
  • Write in your own voice. We want to hear from you, not from a template.
  • Give yourself time. Most applicants should expect to spend 45 minutes to one hour completing the form. Rushed, one-sentence answers score poorly.

Applications close September 18, 2026 at 9:00pm PT. We may request follow up interviews with potential applicants, and we will notify selected participants by the end of September.

If you are not selected for the 2026-27 cohort, you will remain on our mailing list and will still be invited to select Unitedly activities, workshops, and experiences throughout the year. We hope you stay connected with us.

I submitted my application. When will I hear back?
  • Applications for the 2026-27 cohort are now open and will close on September 18, 2026 at 9:00pm PT.
  • We may request follow up interviews with potential applicants and send out notifications by the end of September.
What kinds of workshops will be offered?
Workshop topics include leadership development, mental health and student-athlete wellness, public speaking, communications and storytelling, AANHPI history and identity, civic engagement, advocacy, mentorship, and basketball skill-building. Students may also participate in team-building activities, cultural learning experiences, and workshops led by community organizations, athletes, coaches, and local leaders. Past educational experiences have included conversations around mental health with the San Mateo County Department of Behavioral Health, anti-Asian hate awareness with Stop AAPI Hate, and cultural identity with special guest speakers.
If I live in San Mateo, Santa Clara, or San Francisco Counties, but attend school outside of those areas, can I still apply?
Yes. Students who live in these three counties are eligible to apply even if they attend school outside of the county. However, students should be prepared to focus their community work and Legacy Project within San Mateo County communities.
If I am currently in 8th grade, but will be a freshman in Fall 2026, can I apply?
Yes. Students entering high school grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 for Fall 2026 are welcome to apply if they meet the age and other eligibility requirements.
I'm still figuring out my schedule. What happens if I miss a workshop or required activity?
We understand that emergencies and scheduling conflicts may happen. Students who miss required workshops or activities may be assigned a make-up reflection, project, or alternative assignment depending on the situation. Because the program is cohort-based and participation-focused, students are expected to communicate proactively and remain engaged throughout the year. This process will be further discussed at the orientation if you are selected.
I got in, now what?
Once selected, students and families will receive a welcome packet and several required forms to complete before orientation. These forms include permission and participation forms, clothing sizes for program merchandise, emergency information, and required signatures from the student, parent or guardian. Before orientation, families should also begin gathering important schedule information, including known school, sports, or extracurricular commitments.
What kinds of commitments should my family expect?
Parents and guardians play an important role in supporting student success. Families are expected to:
  • Attend orientation and key program events
  • Support student attendance and participation throughout the program year
  • Remain responsive to communications from program staff
  • Volunteer at least once during the program year
  • Support their student's Legacy Project through encouragement and participation
  • Participate in family-led fundraising efforts that help sustain the program
For more questions
Please contact: gamechangers@unitedly.org
Ready to be a Game Changer? Join us!

We believe the next generation of leaders are already here. Game Changers just helps them rise.

APPLY TODAY!
Applications Close September 18 at 9pm PT
Have questions? Contact us at gamechangers@unitedly.org