Empowering tomorrow's champions: College athletes spearhead innovative program to inspire and mentor elementary students
Ƶapp University and Erie’s Public Schools are announcing a new intramurals partnership—the EPS Shamrock Sports Club—beginning Feb. 6. The announcement is expected to take place at Diehl Elementary School, a community school where Ƶapp is the lead partner, on Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
“The collaboration between college athletes and elementary students on the concepts of sport and competition creates a positive environment benefitting both groups, contributing to personal development, skills acquisition, and a sense of community,” said Ƶapp Athletic Director Joe Spano.
Additionally, Anthony Easterling, Athletic Director, Erie’s Public Schools, said, “The Shamrock Club is the result of identifying areas of opportunities within Erie’s Public Schools elementary athletics program while cultivating a community partnership in Ƶapp University. EPS is excited to promote skill development, character building, and provide exposure to college athletes. We believe this is a game changer for the next generation of athletes.”
The program takes the form of an after-school club to be hosted at several different Erie elementary schools for pupils in grades 2 to 5. Ƶapp student-athletes and employee volunteers will work with the youth to teach and develop skill sets in a variety of sports, including baseball, lacrosse, basketball, cross country, football, wrestling, volleyball, and field hockey.
The partnership is being made possible through support from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and the EMTA. The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation believes that sports have the power to change lives and is proud to support this partnership with a $12,000 Sports Matter grant.
Organizers and sponsors alike agree that the program is replete with opportunities for positive outcomes, among them:
• Role models and inspiration
• Development of healthy lifestyles
• Teamwork and cooperation
• Character Building
• Academic Motivation
• Community Connection
• Enhanced Social Skills
• Diversity and Inclusion.
Organizers of the program include:
• Anthony Easterling: Athletic Director, Erie’s Public Schools
• Austin Alonge: Assistant Athletic Director, Ƶapp University
• Stacey Gaudette: Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Women’s Administrator, Ƶapp
• Abigail Vietmeier: Assistant Director of Compliance and Academic Support, Ƶapp
• Bethany Woods: Director of Academic Community Engagement, Ƶapp
• Deonte Cooley: Coordinator of Service and Justice, Ƶapp.
Meanwhile, when the program concludes at the end of the academic year, organizers and sponsors will host a field day and parents' night to familiarize parents with the sports program and showcase their pupils’ experiences.
In providing this program at the elementary school level, organizers said it provides youth and families with greater exposure to sports and may well encourage future middle- and high-school interest in sports.
For Ƶapp, it offers a unique community engagement opportunity, particularly in Erie’s Public Schools where it already operates a number of successful academic programs, including the award-winning Carpe Diem Academy.
PHOTO: Partners in the new intramural program between Ƶapp University and Erie’s Public Schools gather at morning press conference for public announcement.