𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞’𝐬 𝐉𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 $𝟐 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲:🎉 —𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 $𝟐 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐈𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲; 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬; 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬!

Giving Back to East Lansing

East Lansing, MI — Michigan State basketball guard Jaden Akins is making a major impact off the court. The senior announced a $2 million donation to help build a new housing facility for homeless and at-risk youth in the East Lansing area.

Akins says the city has become more than just a place to play basketball.

“East Lansing has become my second home,” he shared. “I’ve seen the struggles some young people face here. This project is something close to my heart.”

What the Center Will Offer

The new facility will be more than just a place to sleep. It will give young people the support they need to grow and succeed. Key features will include:

• Private, safe bedrooms

• Tutoring and homework support rooms

• Spaces for games, sports, and social time

• Counseling and one-on-one mentorship

• Workshops to teach life skills and job prep

Akins hopes the center will help teens stay in school, build confidence, and work toward a better future.

Working with Local Experts

Akins is teaming up with a local non-profit group that already helps young people in need. While the group’s name will be shared soon, its director, Sarah Evans, said this gift will change lives.

“This donation gives us the ability to help more kids than ever before,” she said. “It’s more than just a building—it’s a place of hope.”

Community Leaders Show Support

City leaders, school officials, and community groups all praised Akins’s gift. They say it’s a big step forward for youth who need a safe place to live and grow.

Many believe the center will become a key part of how East Lansing supports its most vulnerable young people.

When Will It Open?

Construction is expected to begin in the next 12 months. Plans are already moving forward with support from:

• MSU leaders

• Local government

• The non-profit partner

The public will receive regular updates on the project as it progresses.

A Lasting Impact

For Jaden Akins, this donation isn’t just a gift—it’s the start of a lifelong mission. As he enters his final season with the Spartans, he’s also building something lasting for others.

His $2 million pledge shows how student-athletes can use their platform to bring real change. It’s a powerful example of leadership, compassion, and community.

“I want this place to help young people dream big—and know they’re not alone.”