Amazon, Mayor Andre Dickens and the nonprofit Soccer in the Streets came together this summer to run a free soccer and STEM clinic for more than one hundred young people across the Atlanta metro area. The event was timed to coincide with the arrival of the FIFA World Cup, using the global tournament’s momentum to highlight local opportunities.
Held in neighborhoods ranging from Decatur to Clarkston, Union City and other communities, the clinic combined on‑field drills with interactive STEM stations. Participants rotated through activities that included dribbling exercises, teamwork challenges and hands‑on science experiments hosted by partners such as Science ATL.
Amazon’s financial commitment was twofold: a $100,000 contribution to the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Program and an additional $100,000 grant to Soccer in the Streets. The company also showcased its Think Big Van and the STEAM Truck, bringing mobile technology and maker‑space resources directly to the field.
A Dual Investment in Sport and STEM
Mayor Dickens emphasized that sports are more than recreation; they are a catalyst for academic achievement and community cohesion. He praised the collaboration as a model for how private companies, city officials and grassroots organizations can jointly address youth development.
Brian Huseman, Amazon’s regional manager, echoed the sentiment, noting that early exposure to STEM concepts can spark lifelong curiosity and open pathways to high‑tech careers. He highlighted the company’s four‑year partnership with Soccer in the Streets as evidence of a sustained commitment to the region’s future.
Donnie Beamer, Atlanta’s Senior Technology Advisor, attended the clinic and underscored the city’s growing diversity, stating that events like these reflect the metro area’s rich cultural tapestry. Kaseem Ladipo, executive director of Soccer in the Streets, spoke about the organization’s expansion and the importance of partnerships in scaling impact.
Looking Ahead
Ladipo expressed hope that visitors to the clinic would leave with a clear understanding that Soccer in the Streets is more than a local program — it is a blueprint for expanding access to sport and education worldwide. The event also celebrated a $50,000 youth development grant the nonprofit received in 2023, reinforcing the tangible benefits of sustained collaboration.