| Coppin State College National Youth Sports Program |
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The National Youth Sports Program is a program conducted by the Dept. of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance that provides activities during the summer months between June and August for at-risk children between the ages of 9 and 16.
The NYSP is a collaborative effort involving the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.The purpose of the program is to help improve the health and fitness of participants through sports and game activities. Participants are also taught good nutritional habits and they are given educational opportunities to build citizenship and community awareness. Participants also take math, science and computer technology courses which is one of the unique features of this program. Free transportation or reduced transportation is available to all participants.
NYSP at Coppin is headed by Professor Edna Simmons, Chairperson of the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.The National Youth Sport Program has nearly two hundred sites located at colleges and universities in 50 states and Puerto Rico. Although the emphasis is on instruction, participants also have fun in swimming, flag football, tennis, lacrosse, volleyball, dance and basketball. Participants also attend workshops on drug and alcohol use, misuse and abuse and career development.
Each participant receives a free USDA approved breakfast and lunch and a t-shirt. Students also travel to Six Flags, and, upon completion of the program, participate in a closing ceremony. In the closing ceremony, participants are awarded prizes for academic achievement, good behavior and good sportsmanship. The camp is also popular within the community; 85 percent of the participants are returnees from previous years.
Coppin's NYSP was recently evaluated by the National Youth Sports Corporation, the parent organization, and received a 95 percent compliance rating. Coppin was been consistent over the years in receiving a compliance rating of ninety or above. The evaluation makes it possible for Coppin State University to receive yearly funding.
