Etan Thomas: Provide after school care for kids

Summary

YMCA GO is a comprehensive afterschool wellness program for children that provides solutions for reversing childhood obesity trends, curbing risky behavior, improving academic performance

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

In the neighborhood surrounding the W.L. Hutcherson branch of the YMCA of Greater Tulsa, health disparities are so great, that the life expectancy of the community is 14 years less than the rest of Tulsa. • Oklahoma ranks 45th in the nation in the overall health of its citizens. • An estimated 25% of Tulsa County ninth-graders in public schools do not make it to graduation; in Tulsa Public Schools, this figure rises to 40%.

How will this project solve this problem?

The scientifically based curriculum of GO addresses 3 major Skills: Motor, Health-Enhancing, and Social Development. The overall goal is to promote the well-being of each student and guide them to be physically active for life.

Potential Long Term Impact

GO is producing excellent results. Last year students reduced their BMI. Academic results of GO program participants have been equally impressive. Students improved reading levels by 4 months per quarter compared to their peers.

Project Message

My mother got me a membership to the YMCA after we moved to Tulsa from Harlem. I always returned there after leaving for college & still do whenever I go to Tulsa. That's why its important to me
- Etan Thomas, NBA Super Star

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

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