National Collegiate Athletic Association

NCAA News Archive - 2010

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Jan 7, 2010 11:05:15 AM

The America East Conference and its student-athletes will work with College For Every Student, a nonprofit organization created to propel under-served youth to college.

Student-athletes at each of the nine America East universities will develop a partnership with a nearby school that serves large numbers of low-income students. Students at those schools will be exposed to college life and participate in CFES core activities such as mentoring, leadership through service and pathways to college.

In addition to hosting the students on campus, America East student-athletes may tutor the younger kids and work with them on service projects.

"We encourage our student-athletes to be leaders in academics, athletics and the community," said Patrick Nero, America East commissioner. "As positive role models, their interaction with CFES students will help raise the aspirations and achievements of countless low-income youth."

The CFES will secure funding for planning and training workshops at each America East campus and its partnering school. The organization also will offer technical assistance, evaluation and other infrastructure to help build a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership.

The America East programs will be modeled after a successful alliance between Boston U. and Jackson Mann Elementary School. Of Jackson Mann's 635 students, 100 participate in the program.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for the young people in CFES programs to develop relationships with our champions, our student-athletes who are doing great work in the classroom, in the community, and on the playing field," said Michael Lynch, assistant vice president and athletics director at Boston U. "It is a unique opportunity for those CFES students to come to Boston University and understand what our university experience is all about."