Ty Grant

Team First was founded by Tyrone Grant who as a volunteer in 2010 started a free after-school basketball program for 22 students in a Brownsville public school. Ty Grant grew up in East Flatbush/Brownsville, captained the St. John’s basketball team, and played pro basketball for 11 years in the NBA and Europe. He personally experienced how sports can transform the lives of NYC young people of color growing up in under-resourced neighborhoods. He sought to “play forward” that same opportunity for NYC youth. Linking sports with educational support and leadership development, Team First has grown rapidly. Funded by major new contracts from NYC Dept of Education and NYC Dept of Youth and Community Development, in SY 2018-19 we will serve 1,710 public school students and young adults living in the south Bronx.