Team SAGE served as the model program for a Team SAGE-Salvation Army joint venture coined Project Tip-Off providing tutoring services and college preparation for over 380 kids in the Oak Park neighborhood. Target: Excellence provided the academic support including but not limited to tutoring, SAT/CAHSEE prep and college recruiting support.

Tutoring was available daily at the Salvation Army Reading and Computer Lab and selected school sites for all players not maintaining at least a 3.30 GPA and was mandatory for continued participation on Team SAGE. Team Sage’s overall grade point average was 3.70.

The Salvation Army was viewed as a strategic alliance for advancing the mission of Team SAGE; providing a regular practice facility, access to classrooms and the Reading and Computer Lab, as well as providing transportation to regional events. Team SAGE had six teams, 11U, two 14U, 15U, 16U and high school.

Team SAGE partnered with the Sacramento High School varsity basketball team for peer to peer mentoring as well as teach/learn experiences. This aforementioned association helped further the development of the younger Team SAGE fellows, and the older Sacramento High School players alike. Ultimately, this union promoted exceptional academic excellence, good sportsmanship, citizenship and community service.

Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity-Gamma Epsilon Chapter (The Boule) “adopted” Team SAGE and provided support and professional role models to assist in determining college, core major studies and career choices. 100 Black Men of Sacramento helped secure additional weekly practice facilities for the duration of the school year and served as a source for mentors as the program expanded.