Athletes in Service to America (AIS), a National AmeriCorps program, utilizes the power of student-athletes to engage young people in physical activity in urban public schools and communities. AIS empowers children with the skills to live healthier and more productive lives. The program focuses on the lack of opportunity in urban areas to participate in organized recreational opportunities. Now, more than ever, many young people lack the opportunities and structure to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Obesity, asthma, and diabetes are serious health issues confronting the youth of today in epidemic proportions.

In order to address these issues, many of which are due to lack of quality physical activity, our corps members will focus on providing, organized recreational opportunities for elementary age students in the public schools.

In addition, our corps members will continue to provide life-skills trainings, including diversity/conflict resolution, nutrition, and critical problem solving skills, among others, to the young people in our communities. AIS will also collaborate closely with community health organizations to ensure the overall well-being of young people and their families, providing necessary health care information.

Prior to beginning service, all corps members will receive extensive training in key issue areas so they may deliver life-skills trainings.

The four regional operating sites are Canisius College (Buffalo, NY), the University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY), Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL), and Northeastern University (Boston, MA).

Program Quick Facts & Highlights:

• Over 500 corps members have enrolled in the program since 1995-96.

• Over 40% of corps members have been persons of color.

• Nearly 50% of corps members have been female student-athletes.

• Athletes in Service corps members have provided over 650,000 hours of service.

• Over 1/3 of all Athletes in Service members have pursued graduate studies programs while in the service program.

• Over the past eight years AmeriCorps has granted nearly $8 million to the Athletes in Service program.

• Institutions hosting Athletes in Service operating sites have provided nearly $4 million in matching funds.