When he’s not in the Schottenstein Center running practices and overseeing games, Patrick Klein, the associate head coach of the Ohio State women’s basketball team, is helping young Appalachian students prepare for college and improve their leadership skills.
Klein’s love for basketball is strong, but his love for his hometown and helping those who come from similar areas is stronger.
Klein — originally from Belpre, Ohio, a small Southeastern Ohio town in an Appalachian region — started the iBelieve foundation in 2011, a week-long experiential leadership program for underprivileged students from Appalachian areas.
The foundation puts on several programs throughout the year with workshops that consist of leadership, organizational skills and motivational speaking lessons.
Originally, the foundation started with only 36 students for its Ohio program. It has evolved to incorporate thousands of students throughout multiple states and offers up to eight programs a year.
Klein said the iBelieve program provides a support system for students who might not have one at home.
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