Formerly one of the FOCUS (Facilitated Outreach for Community and University Success) Programs in the Office of Student Affairs, the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) at Case Western Reserve University provides an enriching five-week summer experience that combines sports activities, educational enrichment, nutrition, and health services to more than 300 economically disadvantaged Greater Cleveland participants ages 8-16 each year.
The program provides a positive learning environment for participants in their critical preteen and early adolescence years, when learning patterns are defined. The program's objectives include:
- expanding sports-skill opportunities for participants from low-income families to improve physical fitness and promote an active lifestyle.
- helping participants acquire good health practices.
- acquainting students with career and educational opportunities by providing experienced personnel and quality facilities from a renowned institution.
- providing a safe environment to play, learn and grow.
The National Youth Sports Program at CWRU is much more than just a summer sports program; it is a total experience that combines fitness, fun and learning. During the five weeks of programming, participants engage in sports activities to improve their physical fitness and health habits. They also gain information about career choices and learn a great deal about academics on the university campus.
All participants receive free medical screenings and free meals, both of which reinforce concepts of good health for life. For many participants, this physical is the first time that they have seen a doctor, or have had serious health issues identified.
For more information, please contact "Coach" Dennis Harris, NYSP Director at 216.368.4843 or e-mail nysp@case.edu.
Quick Facts
- 1970: NYSP is founded (NYSP has celebrated 53 years at CWRU)
- 1993: Received a Special Recognition Award from NCAA
- 1997: Awarded Most-Improved Camp by the NCAA
- 2000: Project Administrator: Dennis L. Harris won the Student Affairs Staff of the Year Award from CWRU
- 2020: NYSP Celebrates 50 Years at CWRU!
- Enrollment: Over 300 Boys and Girls ages 8-16
- Staff: 10 to 1 ratio (students to staff)