Impactful Women of the 918: Jennifer Patterson Bjornberg

Jennifer Patterson Bjornberg founded Aim High Academy in 2007.

“This was the result of God showing me a lack of opportunities for children from low-income families,” she recounts.

Believing that gymnastics should be accessible to all—whether a child has Olympic aspirations or just wants to learn the basics—Aim High initially provided classes at the John 3:16 Family and Youth Center. Today, the nonprofit organization serves more than 700 children each week through its gymnastics and ninja classes—150 of which have been provided with scholarships.

“In 2025, we awarded over $130,000 in scholarship awards,” says Bjornberg. “This translates to hundreds of children learning to set goals, trusting coaches, working hard and achieving what he or she once thought was impossible. The confidence gained through repeatedly overcoming fear and challenges is a strong foundation for little lives. If you tie that to the lessons of faith and purpose being taught alongside the flips, it has an eternal impact.”

In her free time, Bjornberg—a former competitive gymnast herself—enjoys traveling and creating memories with family and friends.

“Traveling and meeting people opens your eyes to a much bigger world and puts things in perspective,” she says. “We are here for a short period of time, and I don’t want to waste my time.”

Q&A wth Jennifer Patterson Bjornberg

When did you open Aim High Academy, and what led you to that decision?

 I started Aim High, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, with gymnastics classes in 2007 at the John 3:16 Family and Youth Center. This was the result of God showing me a lack of opportunities for children from low-income families. Gymnastics is a fun and disciplined sport and should be available to any child who dreams of being the next great Olympian or a child who just wants to know how to do a cartwheel.

How has Aim High grown since its initial founding?

Aim High now serves over 700 children from the Tulsa community each week through gymnastics and ninja classes, with 150 from low-income families receiving scholarship awards to participate. This is evidence of God working through people to provide Aim High with equipment, buildings and a loving staff who believe in our mission. I’m forever grateful to everyone who has played a role and supported us, enabling us to serve more children.

Are you a gymnast yourself? What do you love about gymnastics?

I competed in gymnastics for 10 years, but I no longer call myself a gymnast. My passion now lies in providing young gymnasts and ninjas with opportunities to pursue their dreams and to be surrounded by positive, godly role-models who are their coaches. I believe a coach can have an incredible impact on a child’s life and it’s one of my favorite things about the sport.

You were nominated because others felt you have an impact on the community in some way. How do you feel that your position/Aim High Academy impacts the community? Why is that important to you?

 I believe Aim High has made a big impact on the community. In 2025, we awarded over $130,000 in scholarship awards. This translates to hundreds of children learning to set goals, trusting coaches, working hard and achieving what he or she once thought was impossible. The confidence gained through repeatedly overcoming fear and challenges is a strong foundation for little lives. If you tie that to the lessons of faith and purpose being taught alongside the flips, it has an eternal impact.

Can you tell a specific story or two about how you have influenced a young gymnast’s life?

I believe one of the biggest testimonies of our impact is the fact that nearly 40 of our gymnasts have returned to Aim High during a season of their lives to coach the next generation of children in our community. One of these gymnasts, Sheridan, became a 2X NCAA National Champion competing for the Oklahoma Women’s Gymnastics Team. She is now our Gymnastics Manager and Head Coach at Aim High Academy.

What other activities, volunteer work, etc. do you do, and why is that important to you?

I love to create wonderful memories with family and friends just by spending time together or through travel. I love to explore new places and history. It is easy to get caught up in our little worlds. Traveling and meeting people opens your eyes to a much bigger world and puts things in perspective. We are only here for a short period of time and I don’t want to waste my time.

What strengths do you see in Tulsa, and what area(s) do you think need to be improved?

 I feel Tulsa’s strength is the people of Tulsa! I have been blessed by so many good, generous and warm people in our city.

What are some ways you would encourage others to make an impact on the city?

I would just encourage others to use their God-given gifts to help others. Whether it is a sport, creating art or professional skills…how can you use your gifts and passions to make a greater impact?

Do you have a fun fact that you can share about yourself?

I am an OU graduate and a die-hard Sooner fan! When I was coaching, I did my best to plan our gymnastics competitions around OU home football games. I also love going to the movies to see a good historical drama!