Threat
NASHVILLE
2026 Launch!A passion-based mentoring movement for youth, powered by community!
History
History
Passion. Purpose. People.
"I was tucking in my son one night and realized there were kids out there who don't always have this kind of love and support. And I couldn't go another day without doing something about that!"
Triple Threat exists to turn passion into purpose—unlocking opportunity and life-changing relationships for youth, and transforming what volunteers "love" into something that changes the world.
Back in 2007, Founder and CEO Caleb Luper saw his community in need and decided to do something about it. He rallied people. He rallied businesses. And he got to work.
What began as youth mentoring quickly evolved. As trust grew and impact deepened, Triple Threat expanded into brand-led activations and high-level leadership development—work now trusted by organizations like Nike, Jordan Brand, PayPal, and Target.
Nearly two decades later, Triple Threat has grown from a local idea into a coast-to-coast movement—powered by thousands of volunteers, hundreds of partners, and a belief that shared passion can transform communities.
We set out to change lives—and discovered the power of building community through shared passion.
And yeah… we LOVE this work!
The research is clear
Harvard economist Raj Chetty's study of 72 million Americans found that connection (relationships that reach across economic lines) is the strongest predictor of upward mobility for kids from underserved communities.
That's what a mentor is.
Impact
By The Numbers
When you mobilize a city around shared passion, the impact adds up fast!
0 Youth
Empowered and connected to caring adults!
0 Volunteers
Activated to share their passion!
0 Programs
Co-created with communities that need opportunity most!
Impact
A Proven Model
Trusted nationallyglobally!
From grassroots mentoring to national brand partnerships and leadership development, Triple Threat has delivered high-impact work around the world!
Mentoring • Agency • Development
Mentoring
Our How
Triple Threat shows up like smelling salts for a city.
- Step 1
Tell us what you love to do! You know, the thing you nerd-out over!
- Step 2
We help turn your passion into programs!
- Step 3
Change lives, leave a lasting impact, and make the world a better place! Oh, and we guarantee it'll make your heart smile!
Mentoring
Our Focus
From basketball courts and BMX tracks to creative studios, music spaces, kitchens, and classrooms, Triple Threat brings Arts, Athletics, and Academics to life through passion-based experiences. Each program uses what young people love as the entry point for mentorship, skill-building, and long-term impact.
Arts
Arts programs create space for creativity, voice, and identity. Through music, design, writing, performance, and visual art, students learn to express who they are, build confidence, and feel seen.
Athletics
Athletics programs develop skills while using sport as a vehicle for leadership, discipline, teamwork, and resilience—building leaders for the game, and for life.
Academics
Academic programs build confidence, curiosity, and agency. Students develop life skills like problem-solving, communication, and goal-setting—tools that support school success, college readiness, and future careers.
Different passions. Same outcome: confident students with trusted mentors in their corner!
The Vision
Nashville Mentoring Hub
Threat
NASHVILLE
Arts • Athletics • Academics
Students K-12
The Need
Why Nashville?
Nashville is booming… but not everyone's been invited to the party.
In pockets across North, South, and East Nashville, young people are growing up surrounded by instability, limited access, and systems stretched thin.
Youth are often carrying adult-level stress way too early - while safe spaces are minimal, more enrichment is needed, and mentorship is the exception, not the norm.
The on-ground reality
- ★7,000+ families living in or directly adjacent to public housing and deeply underresourced neighborhoods across North, South, and East Nashville.
- ★Tens of thousands of children growing up within a small number of high-need corridors with limited access to consistent enrichment, mentorship, and safe spaces.
- ★Multiple elementary and middle schools in these communities report fewer than 14% of students demonstrate grade-level reading or math proficiency.
- ★High school math proficiency is often below 10%, signaling long-term barriers to graduation, college access, and career mobility.
- ★Some of Nashville's highest concentrations of violent and property crime, create daily instability for youth and families.
When youth experience consistent mentors, meaningful programs, and safe places to belong, outcomes change - even in the toughest environments.
The opportunity
Why Nashville? Because the need is real. The moment is now. And the city is ready.
Triple Threat exists to interrupt this cycle!
Our Approach
Relational Youth Development
In Nashville's high-need communities, youth need consistent relationships and access to opportunity — especially where systems are stretched thin.
Triple Threat's model was built for environments where:
- • Need is concentrated.
- • Schools are overwhelmed.
- • Safe spaces are limited.
What we provide:
- ★Consistent mentors who strengthen mental health, resilience, and belonging.
- ★Safe, reliable spaces that promote physical wellness and active lifestyles.
- ★Career exposure, workforce readiness, and real-world learning experiences.
- ★Passion-based programs that build confidence, discipline, and direction.
Relationship + opportunity changes everything.
Kids succeed when they feel seen, supported, and capable!The Triple Threat Model:
Arts • Athletics • Academics - wrapped in mentorship
Strengthening Mental Health. Building Workforce Readiness. Fueling Active Lifestyles.
Success
The Long Game
Through sustained relationships and consistent opportunities, students:
- ★Build mental and emotional resilience.
- ★Develop confidence, identity, and a sense of belonging.
- ★Improve physical health through structured athletics and active engagement.
- ★Explore career pathways and graduate with real options — college, trade, entrepreneurship, or workforce.
- ★Return as leaders, mentors, and contributors to their communities.
We measure success by real life change—in how young people see themselves, show up in the world, and imagine what's possible.
Your Support
The Fuel For Impact
Give
Fuel the work!
- • Financial support that sustains mentors and programming.
- • In-kind donations (equipment, supplies, meals, space, transportation).
- • Corporate and foundation support aligned with long-term impact.
Your giving helps create safe, consistent spaces for kids who need them most!
GiveActivate
Bring your people!
- • Volunteer as individuals or teams.
- • Engage employees, students, athletes, or congregations.
- • Partner through businesses, universities, sports teams, churches, and community organizations.
When adults show up consistently, kids feel seen and supported!
VolunteerShare
Expand the circle!
- • Tell friends, family, and colleagues about Triple Threat.
- • Share our work on social media.
- • Invite others to learn about the impact happening across Nashville's high-need communities.
Awareness opens doors — and doors lead to opportunity!
ShareWhether you give, activate your people, or share — there's a role for everyone! Together we create momentum that lasts!
Proof
Testimonies
Earl Bennett
Former NFL Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears · Sr. Associate Athletic Director, Vanderbilt University
"My experience with Triple Threat has been great — seeing the things the kids are doing and the things they're learning and the ability a lot of these kids have. They just need the extra motivation to push them. I feel Triple Threat is doing a great job in mentoring and helping them."
Scott Powers
ESPN Chicago Reporter
"Caleb is as genuine as they get. He and Triple Threat are out to make a difference in people's lives, and from what I've seen and heard, they're doing it in a big way."
Matt Wilhelm
X-Games Medalist
"I love working with Triple Threat because they not only give today's youth a purpose, but also help them reach their full potential. Triple Threat is passionate about helping the entire community."
Jon Sanner
Former Triple Threat Student
"You guys at Triple Threat are the best family/friends that I have ever had. I will always have love and respect for you guys. You've had a phenomenal impact on my life, inspiring me to want to pursue a meaningful career."
Proof
Testimonies
Greg Thomas
Retired Aurora, IL Police Chief
"I believe that Triple Threat was an integral part of Aurora's success with shooting and murder reduction. It would have done us (police and the community) no good if we continually arrested the top leadership of the gangs and key drug dealers if we didn't have groups such as Triple Threat."
Helen A Rich
Wrigley Heiress · Founding Legacy Partner of Triple Threat
"Triple Threat means hope to me. Hope for the children and families it serves and, therefore, hope for the future. I would like my legacy with Triple Threat to be one of love and service. Working with and for 3T is one of the most fulfilling and gratifying things I have ever done. I want to grow this into a global franchise of helping families, enabling and empowering children."
Cindy Hamilton
Former Nike Spokeswoman
"At Nike, we believe in the power of sport and its ability to enable young people to change their lives and their communities. That's why we partner with Triple Threat Mentoring, because the organization, through the lens of sport, gives youth new opportunities and insights."
Tom Weisner
Mayor of Aurora, IL 2009-2016
"I've always said since Triple Threat has been here, it's like a light bulb went on in the community. There's electricity in the community and excitement working with our young people."
Proof
Unforgettable Partners
- BIG LOUD
- JORDAN
- NIKE
- CONVERSE
- United Way
- TARGET
- Vandervoorn & Assoc.
- UPI Financial
- Disney
- BOOST MOBILE
- PayPal
- PROOF
- 5
- DLM Pathways
- the M
- the Y
- GAP
- Greenville University
- North Central College 1861
- Northwestern University
Connect
The Good Stuff