Game Changers Program | Unitedly
Game Changers
Unitedly Presents

GAME CHANGERS PROGRAM

For AANHPI Student-Athletes in San Mateo County
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 in San Mateo County. You'll grow as a leader, on and off the court, while giving back to your community.

  • Use your voice and skills to drive meaningful change
  • Build strong relationships and a sense of purpose
  • Access exclusive mentorship, leadership workshops, and basketball events
  • To ensure equitable access, students selected for the program will participate at no cost.
  • Game Changers is a shared commitment—students and families are expected to actively participate to maintain eligibility and to fully benefit from this program.

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

Thank you for your interest in Unitedly Game Changers! If you've filled out the interest form, we'll be in touch once we have more information to share. Formal recruitment will open in the summer months, with the program beginning in Fall.

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) youth ages 14–18
  • Attending high school Fall 2026 as a Sophomore, Junior, or Senior
  • Live in San Mateo County
  • Interested in basketball, leadership, and community service
  • Able to commit to monthly activities from Fall 2026 – Summer 2027
Your Role

What Will You Do?

  • Attend monthly workshops on leadership, advocacy, and wellness
  • Lead or join a Legacy Project to help your community
  • Represent Unitedly at events and on social media
  • Learn directly from coaches, athletes, and civic leaders
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. As a Game Changer, you'll also receive:

  • Leadership development workshops
  • Exclusive Game Changers merchandise
  • Recognition on social media and in the community
  • Mentorship and coaching from professional athletes
  • Letters of recommendation
  • A graduation ceremony with 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. Through basketball, students 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. Students who complete all program requirements will receive a $500 completion stipend at graduation. 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 5 or more weekend morning workshops and activities throughout the program year, along with additional community experiences such as basketball games, basketball training sessions, 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.
I submitted an interest form. When will I hear back?
  • Applications for the 2026–27 cohort will open on: June 1, 2026 at 5:00pm PST
  • Applications will close on: September 2, 2026 at 5:00pm PST

Students who submitted an interest form will receive the application link directly by email once recruitment begins. Unitedly will also conduct outreach through San Mateo County high schools, coaches, AAU and youth basketball programs, community organizations, libraries, and youth-serving programs throughout the county. Applications will be reviewed by an anonymous panel of community leaders from San Mateo County. Finalists and their parents or guardians will be invited to participate in interviews between September 9–16, 2026. Final cohort selections will be announced by September 18, 2026, followed by a student and family orientation on September 25, 2026. The official launch event and community meet-and-greet is tentatively scheduled for October 10, 2026. Students are selected based on leadership potential, commitment to the program, willingness to participate fully throughout the year, interest in community engagement, and passion for making a positive impact within the Asian community in San Mateo County.

What kinds of workshops will be offered?
Workshop topics may 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 County but attend school outside the county, can I still apply?
Yes. Students who live in San Mateo County 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 a freshman but will be a sophomore in Fall 2026, can I apply?
Yes. Students entering high school grades 10, 11, and 12 for Fall 2026 are welcome to apply if they meet the age and eligibility requirements.
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.
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 may include permission and participation forms, clothing sizes for program merchandise, emergency information, and required signatures from the student, parent or guardian, basketball coach or AAU coach, and school principal. Before orientation, families should also begin gathering important schedule information, including known school, sports, or extracurricular commitments.
Who can I contact with 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.

Interest Form

Thank you for your interest in Unitedly Game Changers! If you've filled out the interest form, we'll be in touch once we have more information to share. Formal recruitment will open in the summer months, with the program beginning in Fall.

Have questions? Contact us at gamechangers@unitedly.org