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A MODEL PROGRAM FOR
OUR INNER CITY YOUTH FOUNDED BY MR. RIKI ELLISON
The Youth Impact Program
is one of the nation’s premier efforts for at-risk, inner-city youth. Founded by
Riki Ellison, a 10 year veteran of the NFL who played for the 49ers and Raiders,
the program leverages interest in the sport of football to take young men off
the street. For five weeks each summer middle school boys learn invaluable life
lessons, enhance their academic performance, develop character, and build
long-term mentoring relationships with established and local inner city
community leaders and teachers.
This program specifically targets the
extremely high-risk group of 12 to 14 year-old African-American and Hispanic
boys. Academic progress and character development in this critical age group are
often threatened by an at-risk living environment. Impact builds a foundation
for accomplishment and incorporates post-program follow-up that promotes success
in all aspects of their lives.
The YIP staff works with the athletic,
academic, and community outreach departments of major NCAA universities. The
Youth Impact Program also brings together certified local middle school teachers
from the inner city and university students to function as program mentors,
coaches, and teachers. These positive role-models are consistently present with
participants throughout the eight-hour day.
This year YIP had programs
at Rice University, the University of South Florida, Tulane University and the
University of Southern California. More than 500 young boys participated. The
testimonials from each program are exciting and informative. One success story
is that many of the boys read a book for the first time in their lives.
Both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate passed resolutions of
support for the Youth Impact Program this past year. The program is partially
funded by the National Football League, and many NFL players regularly visit the
various programs to show their support. Donations from a variety of
organizations and individuals make it possible for the YIP to stay viable and
succeed.
Please visit
www.youthimpactprogram.org to learn more about the value and success of the
Youth Impact Program. DCWD is proud to be the web technology provider for The
Youth Impact Program.
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