Northwestern University Athletics
#B1GCats Make a Difference with Youth Impact Program
8/4/2015 11:02:00 AM | Football
Youth Impact Program Photo Gallery
EVANSTON, Ill. – Earlier this summer Northwestern hosted more than 100 boys from Evanston, Chicago and Lawndale for its second annual Youth Impact Program (YIP).
YIP is unique because participants not only focus on competition and athletics, but also the importance of academic success. Each day, groups of 20 boys rotated through an academic class structure that covered the subjects of science, math, reading, applied mathematics and mental focus training. In pre- and post-testing, the YIP students showed a growth of 43 percent in math, 52 percent in reading comprehension and 58 percent in science.
The YIP campers formed lasting bonds with 28 Northwestern Wildcats who worked as mentors, as well as with four teachers and the academic curriculum director.
A team of Northwestern football graduate assistants oversaw the football development aspect of the YIP. The campers learned about sportsmanship, teamwork and developing a competitive spirit to win.
"What is powerful about this program is the community commitment from within Chicago to make this what it is today," said Youth Impact Program Chairman and Founder Riki Ellison. "A truly awesome and remarkable program that has made a difference and has directly changed 103 lives going back into the community to make the community better."
EVANSTON, Ill. – Earlier this summer Northwestern hosted more than 100 boys from Evanston, Chicago and Lawndale for its second annual Youth Impact Program (YIP).
YIP is unique because participants not only focus on competition and athletics, but also the importance of academic success. Each day, groups of 20 boys rotated through an academic class structure that covered the subjects of science, math, reading, applied mathematics and mental focus training. In pre- and post-testing, the YIP students showed a growth of 43 percent in math, 52 percent in reading comprehension and 58 percent in science.
The YIP campers formed lasting bonds with 28 Northwestern Wildcats who worked as mentors, as well as with four teachers and the academic curriculum director.
A team of Northwestern football graduate assistants oversaw the football development aspect of the YIP. The campers learned about sportsmanship, teamwork and developing a competitive spirit to win.
"What is powerful about this program is the community commitment from within Chicago to make this what it is today," said Youth Impact Program Chairman and Founder Riki Ellison. "A truly awesome and remarkable program that has made a difference and has directly changed 103 lives going back into the community to make the community better."
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