Giannis Antetokounmpo may be starting the next chapter of his career, but his impact on Milwaukee reaches far beyond basketball, and the We Energies Foundation is proud to help carry that legacy forward.
This summer, the We Energies Foundation helped fund Antetokounmpo Academy, a basketball training program dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders through sports and education.
Coaches taught basketball fundamentals, life skills and the value of community service to 100 teenagers from 45 different Milwaukee area schools.
To ensure every participant had equal access, each student received meals, transportation, and high-quality apparel and footwear.
“The Academy isn’t about finding or building the next Giannis. It’s about helping young people believe in themselves,” said Lauren Cochlin, Global Director — Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation. “We use basketball as the vehicle, but our real goal is to build confidence, character, resilience and leadership — giving every participant the tools to pursue whatever future they dream for themselves.”
Those lessons are developed on and off the court. This summer in between practice and workout sessions, academy participants worked with The Ability Center to restore adaptive equipment for wheelchair basketball, volunteered at urban farms for Kinship Community Food Center and distributed books alongside Bernie’s Book Bank.
“Seeing the good work these young people do with some of our other nonprofit partners is incredibly fulfilling,” said Beth Straka, president — We Energies Foundation. “We are so pleased to support Antetokounmpo Academy as they help the next generation build their leadership skills through basketball and beyond.”
And while Antetokounmpo’s jersey may have changed, Antetokounmpo Academy isn’t going anywhere.
“We’re excited to continue investing in young people here for years to come,” Cochlin said.
About the We Energies Foundation
The We Energies Foundation is proud to support hundreds of charitable groups every year. In 2025, the foundation donated $12.6 million in support of education, community and neighborhood development, health and human services, arts and culture, and the environment.
To learn more about the We Energies Foundation, go to the We Energies website. Funding for the We Energies Foundation is made possible thanks to the generosity of WEC Energy Group shareholders and does not come from customer rates.