EASTON, Pa. — Philadelphia Eagle Saquon Barkley is making a run at expanding mental health and life skills support for student-athletes across the Greater Lehigh Valley.
Barkley, the Eagles' record-setting running back and former Whitehall High School Zephyr, has teamed up with St. Luke’s University Health Network and the AthLife Foundation.
The collaboration, totaling $250,000, is expected to directly benefit more than 3,000 student-athletes at 11 high schools and 10 middle schools throughout Berks, Lehigh, Northampton, Berks and Monroe counties during the 2024-25 academic year.
“We are thrilled to see the positive impact of this partnership.”George Makhoul, board member of the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation
The grant, which faces state House approval, will support the establishment of academic athletic coach staff positions, according to a news release.
"These individuals work year-round, tapping into a student’s passion for their sport and athletics, driving academic achievement, providing holistic development and better preparing student-athletes for post-high school success," the release says.
“We are thrilled to see the positive impact of this partnership,” said George Makhoul, board member of the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation.
“It’s about providing these student-athletes with the right support systems to succeed not just in sports, but in life. We are proud to help shape their future by empowering them academically, with a true team behind them.”
Increased academic support
Whitehall-Coplay School District is leading the way in implementing the program, which has received significant backing from Barkley’s donations and St. Luke’s, and state funding.
As a Whitehall graduate, Barkley has played an active role in supporting his alma mater, including financial contributions over the past two years to enhance the district’s athletic and academic resources.
“Thanks to the generosity of Saquon and St. Luke’s, we’ve been able to increase academic support for our student-athletes, providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to thrive."Whitehall-Coplay School District Athletic Director Bob Hartman
District Athletic Director Bob Hartman praised the impact of the program.
“Thanks to the generosity of Saquon and St. Luke’s, we’ve been able to increase academic support for our student-athletes, providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to thrive," Hartman said.
"This program has truly been a game changer.”
'Help the whole person'
Lehigh Valley state reps. Schlossberg, Jeanne McNeill and Peter Schweyer also were instrumental in securing additional funding for the initiative.
McNeill, a staunch advocate for student development, lauded Barkley’s ongoing efforts to give back to the community.
“We want to provide these kids with the tools they need to succeed — both in their sport and their education — ensuring they’re set up for success in whatever path they choose.”Dr. John Hauth of St. Luke’s
“Saquon continues to inspire both on and off the field,” McNeill said. “His work with the AthLife Foundation ensures that student-athletes have the tools they need to succeed, not just as athletes, but as students and future leaders.”
The partnership between St. Luke’s and the AthLife Foundation is in its fourth year, with Dr. John Hauth of St. Luke’s continuing to lead efforts to provide student-athletes with comprehensive health and academic support.
“The goal is always to help the whole person,” Hauth said. “We want to provide these kids with the tools they need to succeed— both in their sport and their education — ensuring they’re set up for success in whatever path they choose.”
For more information about the AthLife Foundation and to see a full list of schools involved in the partnership, visit athlifefoundation.org.
