City Taps Coach Rodney Jefferson to Help Expand Programs to Local Youth

Adding to its tools and resources to build positive programs and recreational outlets for youth, the City of Duarte has enlisted the aid of a local coach highly regarded for his work and mentoring skills with at-risk youth.

Rodney Jefferson, founder and director of A Game Fundamental Basketball Clinic for the past nine years, has been signed to a consulting contract to work with City staff to help develop strategies, resources or programs that the City may utilize to reduce gang-violence and increase youth employment. He is also a former recruiter of athletes for the Citrus College Men’s Basketball program and the former head Junior Varsity coach at Monrovia High School.

Jefferson, a life-long resident of the Monrovia/Duarte area has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Cal State Los Angeles. With City staff direction and input, Jefferson has been asked to help create new opportunities and collaborations with existing programs targeted at both youth and young adults, ages 17-25. He will also work to explore and develop for consideration a youth discussion group facilitating open communication and connections to available youth programs and services.

“We’ve been impressed with Rodney’s track record and success in working with all youths particularly through his A Game Fundamental Basketball Clinic,” said Deputy City Manager, Karen Herrera. “His program has served hundreds of local children over the past nine years and combines basketball skills training with life skills training, health and nutrition education and high school and college preparation with year-round follow-up. While the City has many positive programs in place for youth, we believe Rodney can help us cast our net even wider to reach more of our community’s youth,” she said.

Other new programs under consideration are a weekend evening Basketball Program that would take place at a local school site. Herrera said Jefferson will also bring a Basketball Clinic to Duarte youth over spring break between April 13th and 17th.

“Our goal is to work with local businesses, high schools and junior colleges to create an avenue for young people to learn skills that will fortify and enhance their livelihood,” said Jefferson.

For more information on this new youth effort, contact Duarte City Hall at 626 357-7931, xt. 221.