“A bridge is built with many hands . . . from the factory steel workers, to the truck drivers, to those who weld the final piece in place.”
-Kassim Osgood #81

Please click on this link to view Kassim's Community efforts!!!

When he's not spending time with his family, he enjoys watching movies and playing with his dogs. He would like to be remembered as a person who was a motivator for youth. Kassim is a 2 year (2007 & 2008) Pro Bowl selection.

Contra Mestre Mindinho began training Capoeira when he was eleven years old. While Capoeira has always been one of his main passions, he also studied several years at an intensive circus school in Brazil and completed a degree in Computer Science at USSA - Rio de Janeiro. After completing his studies, Mindinho decided that teaching Capoeira was his true calling. After seven years of teaching more than 1,000 students, Mindinho made the decision to bring Capoeira Brasil to San Diego and promote Capoeira in the United States.

Mindinho believes strongly in Capoeira because it is more than just a martial art. It is more than music, acrobatic movements and dance. Capoeira is a life tool that teaches children how to interact with the world. To play Capoeira you must read your partner carefully. You must be humble but at the same time demonstrate all of your strengths. You must learn to control your emotions. You must be patient as well as respectful. This respect is not only for your instructor but for your group, your mestre, and other students, regardless of their level.

Mindinho uses the art of Capoeira to offer children fundamental tools to help them build a successful future through their “Capoeira Kids” mentorship & scholarship program, an AFE program, serving local low-income and at-risk youth with their after-school programs.

At the age of five when all kids should be playing and laughing with friends and family, Marlon Shirley was living on the streets with a drug addicted mother, being pulled in and out of different orphanages. Marlon Shirley has endured many situations which would have brought the average person to shambles. Marlon has not only found a way to prevail, but has also found the way to becoming the Fastest Amputee in the World. He owns three World Records in the 100m, 200m, and Long Jump. He is the first Amputee to run under 11 second (10.97). He is the two time Paralympics 100m champion. Marlon has received Two Espy awards and was the recipient of the "Role Model of the 21st Century", given by the United Nations among other awards as well.

Marlon was adopted by a wonderful family in Tremonton, Utah where he was brought into a loving family. Then brought him faith, structure, love and family. He is very close to his family and credits all he is to them. He is a firm believer that we are only as good as the people we surround ourselves around. Marlon Believes his life can motivated people of all ages to become better than they ever though they could be. He believes we all have something great about us and it's just about helping each-other to find that special skill and become great at it. He has a program " Champions in Life" which will help kids learn life skills and find there true potential in life through a mentorship program using education in Diet and exercise in combination with learning about important principles life. " ADVERSITY will always be there, how we train our bodies to react to it will give us the strength to never fear to fail and give us the strength to GROW and ACHIEVE great things!" -Marlon Shirley

Luis Castillo has teamed up with Athletes for Education to reach out to kids in the Hispanic community & reward them for improved literacy & citizenship in the classrooms & community service in their local communities. Luis feels he has an incredible opportunity to touch the large local Hispanic community by spending time with children in both San Diego and Mexico. 

His Dominican background enables him to relate to many of the children in these underprivileged communities as he grew up very similarly to them - he speaks Spanish, was raised by a single mother and was very poor as a child himself. He thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to be a positive role model to youth and just talking with them.

Castillo's Cargadores hosts an annual Activity Based Life Skills & Team Building camp for middle school students on Saturday & a football camp for High School students in Tijuana on Sunday that Luis personally hosts, attends and invites his teammates to share in the experience. “These kids already play and understand football, but getting the opportunity to spend time and talk with them. That's really special. I feel privileged to be able to do this.” Because Luis sees all the positive rewards reaped from his camp in Mexico, he also sponsors camps in his hometown in New Jersey and his native Dominican Republic. 

Greg Camarillo graduated from Menlo-Atherton High School and attended Stanford University. He graduated in 2004 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering focused in Product Design. He is currently playing his 3rd season in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins as a Wide Receiver and Special Teams player.

In its 2nd year, “Charging Forward” an Athletes for Education program, aims to encourage and reward success in academics and athletics. Working together with his brother, Jeff Camarillo, a middle school teacher and coach in Compton, CA, they hope to assist students in developing the attributes necessary to achieve success in school and sports. Providing role models and incentives for success, “Charging Forward” teaches kids how to set goals and, more importantly, how to achieve their goals.

Coming from a family that stresses the importance of education, Greg Camarillo is using this program to recognize and reward students who have a passion to achieve. Every member of the Camarillo family is involved in education. His father, Al, is a professor at Stanford University. His mother, Susan, is a middle school counselor. As mentioned above, his brother, Jeff, is a middle school teacher and coach. His sister, Lauren, is entering her freshman year at UCLA. 

“Education is a value in my family. My parents have always encouraged me to work hard in school and sports. ‘Charging Forward' is my chance to pass on this value to kids who may not have the same support at home.”

Steve graduated from Curtis High School in Staten Island, NY, and then attended Syracuse University. As a four-year student athlete, Steve graduated in 2005 with a dual major in Finance and Marketing.  He signed with the San Diego Chargers in 2006, as an un-drafted free agent. He began his career on the practice squad, but was quickly moved to the active roster during his first year. Steve is currently entering his 3 rd NFL season. 

Beginning in 2008, Steve created his mentorship program, "SG Squad," an Athletes for Education program. Growing up in a large city, Steve learned how important it was to have positive role models in your life. Both of his parents, now retired New York City police officers, kept him on the right path for both education and athletics.

Steve credits their guidance for the success that he has achieved today, and the drive that he holds to mentor our youth. It is extremely easy as a child to be negatively influenced by others, but Steve hopes that he and his program can provide a positive impact on the lives of many. 

The SG Squad will make it a priority to promote the crucial balance between health, fitness, and education. Steve wants children to understand that all of his success would not be possible if he didn't take all of these components equally as serious.

When Steve is not on the playing field, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, watching movies, and traveling.

Growing up in a close-knit family in Mansfield, Texas, Jeromey Clary learned early on about the powers of love and hard work. “The way my parents interacted with each other taught me a lot. They showed me how I should love my wife; how to be a good husband.” His father built up a successful business over the years, and consistently set high character standards for young Jeromey to emulate. His parents’ positive influence has had a lasting effect on him. This is revealed by the abundantly giving spirit that defines Jeromey and his program, Clary’s Crew.

Jeromey knows that a strong work ethic and determination can move mountains. He acknowledges how much children benefit from mentorship programs; however, at the same time he believes that sometimes well-intentioned hardworking parents need a helping hand, too. His vision is to be someone who provides a “hand up”, not a “hand out”. A “hand up” could be tuition for one last course to achieve a long-pursued degree. It could be the laptop necessary for a struggling entrepreneur, or a power tool for a carpenter.

He would like to provide the means that leads to life-changing success. In this fashion, just like his fierce blocking at right tackle, he can help to “clear the way” and make a real difference in the lives of some of San Diego’s hardworking parents. When this can happen, the entire family benefits.

Jacques graduated from Gardner High School in 1998, where he lettered in football, basketball and track. He then attended Southern Connecticut State University and double majored in history and political science.

Jacques was an All-America selection by American Football Coaches Association following his senior season and was also named Northeast-10 Conference Defensive Lineman of Year.  He was selected to play in Cactus Bowl all-star game and named an all-conference first-team pick as junior.

Jacques joined the San Diego Chargers in 2003 and is presently in his sixth year as a defensive lineman.

Jacques founded J.C.'s Kids in 2007.  When he is not on the field or giving back to the community, Jacques spends as much time as he can with his wife and also enjoys bowling, playing basketball, and watching movies. 

Tra Battle has collaborated with Athletes for Education to create a foundation dedicated to enhancing the general quality of life for the less privileged and to encourage their active participation in conquering life's battles and challenges.  Not wanting to limit the scope of his charitable work, Tra has focused his efforts on all age groups in the local San Diego community, working in elementary schools and convalescent homes alike. 

Tra's Battle for Success Foundation, established in 2007, strives to be instrumental in helping people to achieve their goals. Tra understands that through the course of one's lifetime certain battles and difficulties may present themselves and that with the proper guidance, motivation and support everyone has the ability to triumph over these roadblocks. Tra has a vision of influencing the manner in which people approach difficulties and a belief that no battle is too small or too large to be overcome.

Perhaps it is his mother's voice that drives him to succeed and excel at everything he does as Tra is not personally motivated by money or recognition… rather it is the sense of fulfillment and community involvement that inspire him. Tra's dedication to his community is even reflected in his foundation's logo, which was designed for him by Amanda Alcantara, an 8 th grader at St. Michael's School.

Tra is quick to point out that the road to the NFL was not an easy one for him, and that he had to prevail over personal battles of his own to accomplish his dreams.  During his high-school and college years, the 175 lbs that he carries on his 5'11” frame were consistently scrutinized and he was deemed too small to be a football player.  Regardless of this criticism, he attended the University of Georgia (without an athletic scholarship), and this young walk-on went on to receive multiple awards for his level of play and dedication to the game and the team.

Alana Ethridge, 11yrs old; born May 18, 1997.  You probably know her best as one of the original class members from the hit Fox TV Show "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?"   Alana started out doing Catalog & Print Ads and appearing in TV Commercials. Last year She was featured in 3 Wal-Mart Christmas National TV Spots, this year she has worked with Frito-Lay, Hilton Hotels, and worked on featured films.

In addition to her honor roll student status and pursuing her acting career, Alana has a program called Alana's Achievers, an Athletes for Education program. She actively teams up with several charitable programs & organizations, including , Celebrating Black Youth, and Driving for Donors, and as always giving back to our military men and women.

Alana's Achievers program was born to help those less fortunate and still reaching for their dream. Coming from a single parent home Alana understands the sacrifices and struggles that are faced on the way to stardom.

Raffi Ruotolo graduated from college where he attended L'istituto Tecnico Industriale in Naples, Italy. Raffi moved to the United States in 1983 with this family to New York where he lived for one year before he transferred to San Diego.

In 1983-84 Raffi joined the San Diego Sockers becoming the youngest player in their history to sign a professional contract at the age of 17. During his career with the Sockers they won three consecutive world championships. His career continued with the Anaheim Splash of the CISC, where he was the leading scorer. Raffi was a member of the United States Beach Soccer team which was ranked #2 in the world; he was also the team leading goal scorer.

The game of soccer has allowed him to reach his dreams, travel around the world. He feels blessed to have been able to play the number one sport in the world at the professional level. He has enjoyed what the game has given to his personal life; because of this he has spent numerous hours and time giving back to the community through special appearances, hospital visits, charity events, and soccer camps. Raffi has been directing youth soccer clubs throughout San Diego for the last 24 years. He is the director of soccer for FC San Diego.

Raffi spends most of his time with his two daughters; he enjoys cooking, watching movies, soccer and shopping.

Vera is the son of a Filipino father, Ernesto, and an Italian-American mother, Amelia, and grew up in a family with seven boys and three girls. He was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia , and attended Lake Taylor High School, where he excelled in wrestling and earned a four-year athletic scholarship to Old Dominion University . He however dropped out of Old Dominion after a year and a half when he felt college was not for him, and he enlisted in the United States Air Force .

In the Air Force, he joined the force's wrestling team and trained at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His military wrestling career was cut short in 1999 when he shred ligaments in his right elbow. Arthroscopy surgery repaired the ligaments but he had nerve damage from the experience, causing him to be unable to use his right arm. He was released from the Air Force on a medical discharge.

Vera made his UFC debut at Ultimate Fight Night 2 on October 3 , 2005 against Fabiano Scherner . Vera won the fight via TKO mid-way through the second round. Following the Scherner bout, he faced Justin Eilers at UFC 57 , winning early in the first round by knockout. At UFC 60 , Vera defeated Assuerio Silva with a guillotine choke. Vera's career as a mixed martial artist flourished on Nov. 18, 2006 when he needed just 69 seconds to stop ex-heavyweight champion Frank Mir at UFC 65 in Sacramento, Calif.

Vera speaks highly about how he was inspired by many people including his coach who thought him about hard work and discipline when he made the wrong choices; punishments such as mopping the mats, and cleaning the gym to keep him busy and out of more trouble were doled out. Brandon credits his success in life today to the support and love of mentors like his coach who took a sincere interest in him; Brandon created “Kids for Truth” as a way of paying it forward to the next generation.

Leon White graduated from Helix High School in San Diego and attended Brigham Young University, and played for eight years in the NFL. He has been involved with Athletes for Education Foundation since the organization started in 1993, and joined the board of directors in 1994.

Along with Leon's Board member duties, he host an annual Activity Based Life Skills & Team Building training camp; designed to reward 7th & 8th graders for achieving academic and citizenship objectives set by their teachers and principals. This year is Leon's 9th year for hosting the camp at Hoover HS.

In addition to volunteering in the community, Leon is the director of Keiller Leadership Academy's after school program.

When he’s not spending time with his family, he enjoys playing backgammon and racquetball and listening to jazz music. He is most proud of his family and would like to be remembered as a person who was kind, honest and hard working.

On June 24, 2001, Leon was inducted into the Holiday Bowl Hall Of Fame. He was recognized for his accolades in the 1982-1984 Holiday Bowl games while playing for BYU.

Floyd Fields grew up in Illinois and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in computer information systems. When knee injuries forced him to retire after four years in the NFL, he embarked on a successful career as a software developer, and now works for a company in Arizona, in addition to having his own web design and software consulting business, Ruth Enterprise, LLC.

In fact, he designed Athletes for Education’s web site! When he’s not volunteering with AFE and other community youth organizations, he spends most of his free time working on the computer.

Floyd’s motto is “you only live once” and he believes that winning is learning and coming out of a situation better than when you went in.

Lonny Mitchell grew up in San Diego, graduated from Serra High School, and attended San Diego State University with a Film & TV major. Lonny feels that it’s important to volunteer and to be a role model for others.

Throughout high school he was involved with the Nestle Crunch Volunteer Group, an organization of young volunteers, whose projects included food drives, feeding the homeless and renovating community centers and parks (funded by Nestle Corp.). He has continued his involvement throughout college with the Community Beautification Project. In addition to being a full-time student, a scholarship athlete, and a dedicated family man, has donated his spare time to helping others. Lonny is working on a new mentorship program called “MVS” (most valuable student) campaign sponsored by AFE.

Presently, Lonny is the operations coordinator for Millennium Financial Services in San Diego.

Darren Carrington grew up in New York, graduated from Northern Arizona University, and started his NFL career in 1989. He has overcome many obstacles in his life, and credits athletics for keeping him out of trouble and forcing him to keep his grades up. Darren says that his greatest strength is adapting, communicating and relating to people. Presently, he is the Youth Pastor for the “ROCK” church in San Diego. When he’s not working, he enjoys playing with his kids and playing golf. He loves to help others and would like to be remembered as a man with a loving heart who serves God.

Karl Wilson grew up in Louisiana and attended Louisiana State University before embarking on a nine-year career in the NFL.

He is the director of the San Diego County’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Karl is most proud of his wife Rhea and their daughter Bianca, and strives to live his life according to his Christian beliefs – to do his best and to be a fair and giving person.

Karl is a true competitor… Daily with FCA, he challenges youth to work hard and give 100% to win at everything they do – in the classroom, sports, business, etc.

Akbar Gbaja-Biamila grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from Crenshaw High School in 1998. He started playing football his senior year, earning all-league and all-conference honors as well as defensive lineman of the year. His talent earned him a full scholarship to San Diego State University. While at SDSU, Akbar started volunteering with AFE and has been an important part of our team ever since, volunteering his time with many of AFE's programs & special events.

In 2002 Akbar graduated from SDSU & walked on with the Oakland raiders. He also started his mentorship program, "Akbar's Village", an AFE mentorship program as a way of serving low-income & at-risk youth in San Diego.

One of seven children, Akbar credits his success to his parents, immigrants from Nigeria who exemplified hard work and perseverance. When he's not playing football or spending time with his family, Akbar enjoys reading, listening to music and volunteering with AFE. Above all material success, his greatest life goal is that he never stops learning and growing.

Kevin Mitchell grew up in San Diego, graduated from Claremont High School, and was drafted by the NY Mets in 1981 as a senior in high school. Kevin has always believed in how important it is to volunteer and to be a role model for others.

Throughout his professional career, Kevin has donated thousands of dollars to local San Diego community youth groups, youth recreation centers, Pop Warner and youth baseball leagues… But what is most important to him is this time in his life is to continue to his life experiences w/ youth and encourage them to make smart choice in their lives… Today, Kevin loves playing golf, participating in baseball camps and volunteers his time w/ AFE… Stay tuned for Kevin's "Success is a Walk in the Park" mentorship program this year...

Tonie Campbell grew up in Carson, California and graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in communications. A scholarship track and field athlete, Tonie enjoyed a 13-year professional career, including competing in the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games. He won a bronze medal in the 110-meter high hurdles, and has been a three-time world champion in that event. Tonie spent many years participating in hundreds of competitions throughout the world, and has competed in front of thousands of people.

In addition to competing, Tonie has traveled around the world, acting as a goodwill ambassador and giving motivational speeches. He has returned to the sport in a coaching role as the Head Track and Field coach for Southwestern College in San Diego. His favorite hobby is writing. He is a published author (The Highest Stand, Scrobre Press), and he is currently working on several screenplays and a new book project with AFE.

Tonie enjoys volunteering his time and often speaks to children and athletes about his Olympic experiences...

C.S. Keys grew up in the Philadelphia area and graduated from North Carolina Central University with a B.A. in English/Media Journalism. He began his broadcasting career as a sports reporter/anchor for WTVD-TV in Durham, North Carolina, and soon moved back to Pennsylvania to work as weather anchor and talk show host for WGAL-TV in Lancaster. Following that position, C.S. worked as the main weather anchor for KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh. C.S.’ arrival to KDKA made him the first African-American to anchor the weather in the Pittsburgh market, and he was known as “the number one African-American presence or role model outside of athletics in Pittsburgh.” After KDKA, C.S. delivered the weather forecast for WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh, making their morning program one of the top rated news programs in the market. C.S. came to San Diego in April 2000 to work as the morning weathercaster for San Diego’s number one morning show, The KUSI Morning News. After four years he left and joined FOX 6 News as their sports director/anchor. To date, C.S. has won two Emmy Awards as a talk show host and was nominated twice for Individual Achievement in Weathercasting.

C.S. has partnered with Athletes for Education to create C.S. Keys’ KIDS, programs that help youth in the San Diego community. This partnership is an extension of C.S.’ longtime commitment to giving back and to being a role model. His efforts have earned him the Martin Luther King Service Award in Pittsburgh, where Mayor Tom Murphy proclaimed September 22nd as “C.S. Keys Day” in the city of Pittsburgh for his dedication to area communities and his on-going service. In June of 2003, C.S. received the Frederick Douglas Award as a true trailblazer in the city of San Diego, and he has been recognized by the California State Assembly for his tireless efforts to help San Diego youth.

C.S. is a member of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., the National Weather Association, the NAACP and the National Association of Black Journalists. AFE is proud to have C.S. on our team and to support his efforts through the C.S. Keys’ KIDS program.

Earl Faison grew up in Virginia and graduated from Huntington High School in 1957 as an All State athlete in football, basketball and track. Earl attended Indiana University on an athletic scholarship as a Physical Education major and graduated in 1961. As a student, even though Earl was a star athlete on the football team, he didn’t think he would play professionally because opportunities for minorities were so limited at that time. During his senior year of college, however, Earl began receiving letters and chose to play for the San Diego Chargers as their number one draft choice.

Thus began an impressive seven-year career in the AFL, during which Earl was named AFL Rookie of the Year, AFL Defensive Player of the Year, Charger’s MVP, and was named to both the All AFL and All Star Teams four years in a row. Retiring in 1967, Earl began his second career as a teacher, coach and ultimately an administrator, breaking barriers every step of the way, among them being the first Black head coach for high school football in San Diego’s history, as well as the first Black man to be named San Diego City and County Football Coach of the Year.

Earl’s numerous honors include induction into the Lower Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, Indiana University Sports Hall of Fame, San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame, and San Diego Hall of Champions Hall of Fame. Retired in 2003, Earl enjoys reading, learning about God, and mentoring young people.

Steven founded AFE in hopes of redirecting the despairing pathways of many of our young people. Through AFE Steven has enlisted the participation and support of professional athletes, entertainers from the movie and television industry, elected officials and community leaders to reach our low-income & at-risk youth in the community. 

AFE's mentorship program's match current and retired professional, college and high school athletes w/ youth programs; the programs focus on teaching youth the value of education while providing specific incentive & reward components to motivate them to succeed in life.

After a painful shoulder injury shortened opportunities in professional football, Steven turned his expertise as a physical therapist into a successful business opportunity by partnering with a group of Physicians in San Diego to open a physical therapy facility. 

He hosted San Diego CBS affiliate KFMB-TV's morning health and fitness news segment for 2 years. Steven later went on to co-host the NBC nationally syndicated health and lifestyle television show “Life Choices” with co-hosts Kathleen Sullivan and Erie Chapman for three years.

Steven created a performance enhancement athletic training program to improve speed & athletic performance for high school & college student-athletes & professional athletes. He also has a corporate exercise program incorporating an individualized fitness training program designed specifically to increase strength, cardio health & muscle flexibility; and to reduce repetitive motion and lumbar strains and sprains; biomechanics and ergonomics education to reduce work place injuries.

Today, in addition to serving AFE and as a Commissioner for the San Diego Police Historical Association, also sits on the Board of Directors for the San Diego chapter of the National Football Foundation/College Hall of Fame.