FAQ

What is the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education?

The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education is a not-for-profit public charity dedicated to transforming education to create opportunities for children. Through its public charter school, the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, the Foundation strives to provide underserved youth in Las Vegas with a quality K-12 education to prepare for excellence in college and beyond. Through state and national advocacy, the Foundation also works to increase investment and accountability in public schools.

How involved is Andre Agassi personally with the Agassi Foundation?

Andre created the Foundation in 1994 and has been hands-on every step of the way – from envisioning and creating Agassi Prep and continuing to engage with its students, to raising funds to support our public charter school and  advocating for changes in public education.

Since his retirement from professional tennis, he has devoted his energy to expanding the Foundation’s reach and impact, in Las Vegas and across the country. In Andre’s own words, “Making a difference in childrens lives is my life’s work.”

Why Education?

Having sacrificed his own education for success on the court, Andre always felt – in spite of his achievements – that tennis was all he knew. He saw education as the key to opportunity because by giving kids options, education gives them the freedom to shape their future.

Initially, the Foundation focused on a wide range of programs to help kids in need. But this work only provided temporary fixes to long-term problems. We saw a pressing need to improve public education and deliver better outcomes for Nevada students, whose performance is low compared to the rest of the United States, and for kids around the country who have fallen behind the rest of the world. We wanted to bring about systemic changes that would last; that vision drives our work today.

How is the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education transforming public education?

The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education transforms public education in two ways. First, through our public charter school, the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy (“Agassi Prep”), we are striving to provide underserved children in Las Vegas with a quality K-12 education to prepare for excellence in college and beyond. Second, through state and national advocacy, we are working to increase investment and accountability in public schools.

How is the Foundation supported, and how can I help?

The Foundation is supported by a network of dedicated partners and donors. You can help by making a tax-deductible donation directly to the Foundation, in any amount. You can also talk to your employer about a matching gift or a workplace giving program that benefits the Foundation Or, learn about other ways to support our work. Visit our Ways to Give page for more information or to make a donation.

For 16 years the Agassi Foundation hosted the Grand Slam for Children event, our largest fundraising effort to date. Due to the enormity of the event and the time commitment to put on such an event the Agassi Foundation has taken the last several years off from producing this fundraiser. We have no future dates scheduled at this time for a Grand Slam for Children event but please check back to our website for potential updates.

The funds that we have raised help underwrite Agassi Prep’s operating budget and sustain the Foundation’s initiatives to impact education and educational policy on a local and national level.

Is my contribution to the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education tax-deductible?

Yes, the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education is a 501 (c) (3) organization. Whether you choose to support the Foundation or Agassi Prep directly your donation is tax-deductible. Please consult your tax professional for additional information.

Can I apply for a grant or funds for my organization?

No. The Andre Agassi Foundation for Education no longer accepts requests for funding. The Foundation is focusing its resources and work on continuing to transform public education through Agassi Prep, our K-12 public charter school, and through advocacy to drive investment and create greater accountability in public schools. Please do not send any proposals for funding as these requests will not be reviewed.

Are there plans to open schools in other cities?

No. We are focused on continuing to enhance the program at Agassi Prep and serve our local community. At the national level, we are working to make a difference by advocating for increased funding and accountability for public schools; enhanced charter school options; extended school year and day; and full-day kindergarten programs.

How can I learn more about the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education and the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy?

Take time to explore the Agassi Prep section of this website, or visit www.agassiprep.org to learn more about how our K-12 public charter school strives to provide a quality education to prepare children for excellence in college and beyond.

If you have additional questions about the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, please feel free to contact Julie Pippenger either by email Julie@agassi.net or by calling 702-227-5700. Please note, the Foundation does not entertain requests for funding.

If I have an interest in scheduling an appearance or speaking engagement for Andre, who do I contact?

Please contact Foundation CEO Steve Miller with your request for Andre’s time in writing and send to smiller@agassi.net.