Atlanta – – September 18, 2026 -- Roughly 350 high school student-athletes will gather at Atlanta's Loudermilk Conference Center on Sept. 26, 2026, for the inaugural AJT Academy Student-Athlete Leadership Conference presented by Truist, a program built around the AJ Terrell Jr. Foundation founded by Atlanta Falcons All-Pro cornerback AJ Terrell Jr.
Truist funds leadership program spanning three Atlanta-area high schools
Students from Westlake High School, Frederick Douglass High School and Benjamin E. Mays High School will attend the five-hour event, running 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 40 Courtland St NE. Katie Saez, Truist regional president for Georgia and Alabama, said the bank's partnership with the AJ Terrell Jr. Foundation aims to give young people tools that extend beyond athletics.
Conference launches 2026-2027 AJT Academy year and inducts 24-member leadership cohort
The event marks the official start of the AJT Academy's 2026-2027 cycle and will conclude with the induction of "The 24," a leadership and ambassador program selecting 24 student-athletes per participating school based on leadership potential, resilience, character and academic commitment.
Programming covers mental health, financial literacy and professional development workshops
Sessions will include interactive workshops on mental health and well-being, financial literacy, and professional development, alongside participation from athletic directors, coaches and school administrators. Cam Kirk Studios will provide complimentary professional headshots to participants, supporting early personal-branding efforts.
Ashly Cargle-Thompson, Executive Director of the AJ Terrell Jr. Foundation, said the conference depends on coordination among schools, families, coaches and community partners to close opportunity gaps for young people.