GENERAL CONCEPT

NYSP is an instructional program for boys and girls from low-income households. The program uses sports instruction and competition as a vehicle to enhance self-esteem, to promote respect for oneself and others, to reinforce the importance of education to one's future, and to promote active, healthy lifestyles. The program provides participants with instruction in career and educational opportunities and exposure to the college environment. Each participant receives a free medical examination and follow-up, if necessary and at least one free meal daily. The aim of the NYSP is to help under served youth learn to "walk tall -- talk tall -- stand tall."

For the first time since the program's inception in 1969, Congress failed to provide an appropriation for NYSP in fiscal year 2006. The program was permitted to utilize carry-over funds from the 2005 fiscal year to provide limited support to local programs in 2006.  The following data reflect the impact that lack of federal support had on the program.

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PROGRAM EXPENDITURES

The following is a summary of audited expenditures for the grant period ended September 30, 2004.

* Total grant dollars approved by Congress in FY05

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PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

1. Serve underserved youth between the ages of 10-16.
2. Provide a healthy start through good nutrition and physical fitness.
3. Teach youth-centered activities in a safe, positive and enjoyable college/university environment.
4. Provide youth-centered activities that nurture the dreams and aspirations of youth.
5. Promote respect, citizenship and sportsmanship in a diverse society.
6. Provide quality service and reward excellent performance.

NYSP AT WORK!!

Less than 10 percent of all college graduates come from economically disadvantaged households. (The Mortenson Research Seminar on Public Policy Analysis of Opportunity for Postsecondary Education)

• NYSP children are placed in academic settings at colleges and universities and receive at least three hours of instruction in the benefits of higher education.

Obesity rates have more than doubled among economically disadvantaged children over the past three decades. (Institute of Medicine of the National Academies – September 2004)

• NYSP children receive at least 2 hours of physical activity daily and instruction on nutrition and personal health.

One in five American children lives in poverty resulting in significant health vulnerabilities. (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2001)

• NYSP children receive health screenings for appropriate referral and early intervention.

Economically disadvantaged children have a disproportionate share of exposure to violence. For example, the impact of neglect alone has reported rates of up to 53 percent of juvenile arrests. (National Institute of Justice – 1992)

• NYSP children receive sports and education instruction, including conflict resolution skills, in a safe, positive and structured environment.

It is estimated that 9 million children are directly affected by substance-abusing parents. (Woodside – 1998)

• NYSP children receive instruction to break the cycle through at least 7½ hours of instruction in substance-abuse prevention.

Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) reports that mentoring programs pro-mote decrease in violent behaviors. (OJJDP – 4/97)

• NYSP mentoring summer programs connect with experienced educators, community trained volunteers, law enforcement officers and other positive role models.

OJJDP reports that mentoring programs DO impact academic response. (OJJDP – 4/97)

• NYSP mentoring summer programs include hands-on, interactive activities in the education program, including math/science discovery program and standardized test taking skills.

Economically disadvantaged children disproportionately live in higher crime areas.

• NYSP provides safe transportation to and from the higher education setting.

Economically disadvantaged children disproportionately experience ‘hunger’ and undernourished meals.

• NYSP provides two USDA-approved meals daily during the program.

PROGRAM STATISTICS: 1969-2006