National Youth Sports Program at Case
NYSP is nationally known, but no other program has made the strides or received the accolades that the program at Case Western Reserve University has. In 2004 and 2005, the NYSP program at Case was nominated as the number one program in the nation.
The NYSP program has been in existence at Case since 1970. Funding from NYSP is based on 300 participants; however, CWRU has enrolled nearly 600 campers in the past. Case garners support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cleveland Neighborhood Block Grant Program, local corporations, foundations, and community members.
The university contributes over $300,000 in institutional support including use of athletic, educational, and food facilities, personnel costs, and miscellaneous supplies. The need and success of this program is evident by its enrollment numbers and high percentage of returning participants.
Case Western Reserve University's National Youth Sports Program continues to be recognized across the country as a model program. The goal is to continue to move forward through support from partners in the community, and this investment will enable:
- an increase in personnel to maintain a low participant-to-staff ratio and offer the best possible learning environment
- the pursuit of opportunities that serve the health and wellness needs of inner city children through program initiatives, such as juvenile diabetes
- more hands-on learning
- adequate nutrition to all participants in the program
Originally established as a sports camp to keep 250 underprivileged children off the streets, the program has been expanded to provide for nearly 600 needy children. The accomplishments of this five-week, day-long undertaking are outstanding. With cutbacks in federal funding, City of Cleveland programs, and Cleveland Metropolitan School District programs, the need for NYSP at Case is more important than ever.