Focus Areas

Violence Prevention and Diversity

Violence Prevention and Diversity (VPD) is the over-arching umbrella for the four human rights educational programs offered by the Center for the Study of Sport in Society. These action oriented programs aim to encourage, empower, engage and influence young people and adults to speak on issues surrounding violence, diversity, conflict resolution, inclusion and social justice. Violence Prevention and Diversity utilizes the power and appeal of sport to address racism, sexism, ableism, and heterosexism in society by raising awareness, challenging thinking and inspiring leadership.

• Disability in Sport (DIS)
• Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP)
• Project Teamwork (PTW)
• Athletes for Human Rights (AHR)

Urban Youth Sports

Believing that physical activity and health are cornerstones in positive development among youth, Sport in Society has created a focus area dedicated to physical activity and health. It is comprised of Urban Youth Sports (UYS) programs that create physical activity opportunities to strengthen both mind and body. These programs also offer educational activities to empower young people to be participants in promoting positive social change. Sport in Society’s core values of social justice, sport, healthy development, and education are emphasized through this programming and in the research that supports it.

• Student Athlete Volunteer Initiative
• Degree Completion Program
• Double Dutch League of Massachusetts
• Health Connection
• Junior Coaches Academy