• Over $2 billion was cut from sports programs in public schools in 2008.
• Youth often are required to pay money to play school sports or other extra curricular activities, as a result, low-income youth can’t participate and are left with lots of idle time…time to get into trouble!
• According to the 2000 census, only 3% of youth in low-income areas play organized sports.
• One third of the nation’s children will be overweight or obese by third grade. Low-income areas have an even higher risk.
• Thirty percent of youth won’t graduate from high school. For inner-city communities, only half with earn the diploma.
• Today, more than 750,000 youth are involved in gang activity.

Youth who play sports…
Are more likely to stay active as adults.
Have a better chance of graduating high school,
Are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol, or become pregnant
Have increased personal responsibility,
Are less likely to engage in criminal activity

Out-of-school time, can be either an opportunity for youth to engage in positive activities that enhance their development, or a time to involve themselves in negative activities. Out-of-school youth development programs support the healthy growth and development of young people by providing engrossing learning opportunities that emphasize life skills.