The Program:
Athletes in Service to America is an AmeriCorps National program sponsored by Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sport in Society.

The program's goal is to field "a corps of former collegiate student-athletes to address the violence prevention and academic success needs of children in resource poor communities."

Operating sites include Northeastern University in Boston, Canisius College in Buffalo, A.C.E.S. in Chicago, the University of Kentucky and Eckard College in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Results:
This year, more than 5,000 elementary, middle and high school students are attending Project TEAMWORK diversity and conflict resolution training. Almost 2,000 children are mentored or tutored by AmeriCorps Athletes in Service members.

The 75 members also organize a variety of youth activities. In Boston, over 900 youth participated in AmeriCorps-organized recreation activities, while in Kentucky 20 middle school students joined a Human Rights Squad. Members worked with five Buffalo non-profits to involve 365 children in activities. Athletes in Service members benefit as well - since the program began in 1995 over one-third of the 261 members attended graduate school while serving.

Why It Works:
Northeastern University and the Center for the Study of Sport in Society provide strong leadership. Athletes in Service is a complementary part of the Center's overall mission addressing issues of gender and racial discrimination, violence prevention and making sports a positive force in the community.

For the first time all AmeriCorps members and staff recently attended a National Training at the University of Kentucky, including the National Conference for Community and Justice.

Lessons:
In a message to the annual Sport in Society Awards event in 1998, President Clinton said, "Athletes play an important role in shaping our character and values. I commend your commitment to expanding the positive role of sports in society, curbing violence, and promoting academic excellence through Athletes in Service."

Contact:
Program Director Eileen Smart (617) 373-8941.
Associate Director Marisa Petreccia (617) 373-7879.

National Service News
Excerpt from National Service News
Issue #107. May 29, 2000
Published every other Monday on the worldwide-web site of the Corporation for National Service.

Northeastern University's
CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF SPORT IN SOCIETY
360 Huntington Avenue, Suite 161 CP
Boston, MA 02115-5000
Phone: (617) 373-4025
Fax: (617) 373-4566 / 2092

E-MAIL US at [email protected]