Program History

 

In 2003, Riki Ellison, a ten-year veteran of the National Football League (NFL) and three-time Super Bowl Champion, had a vision to provide America's at-risk inner-city youth with a positive, life-changing experience.  Building on the inherent allure and character-building qualities of football, he developed a combined academic and athletic program.  The program was first launched in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California. Then, during 2008, Tulane University was added to the program. In the summer of 2009, the YIP program served 471 young men between the ages of 9 and 12.  One hundred forty-eight of these boys participated in the program at the University of Southern California (USC), 128 participated in the program at Tulane University, 88 participated in the program at Rice University, and 107 participated in the program at the University of Southern Florida.

 

The Youth Impact Program is an innovative program serving low-income, urban-based, at-risk middle school males.  Over ninety percent of YIP's program participants meet the national guidelines for low income.  Based in the community, YIP builds resiliency by providing minority at-risk boys with a free football summer training camp program that promotes character development, academic skills enhancement, and social interaction activities.  Adult male role models provide camaraderie, guidance, and discipline, and introduce these boys to the world of higher education.  At the same time, the program provides academic support,  guidance counseling and mentoring to help struggling children build confidence and develop an interest in learning.

 

YIP brings together universities, colleges, community leaders, parents, local agencies, and national organizations like the National Football League to make substantial and measurable differences in the lives of youth in inner cities and on native reservations.  Major goals of this program are:

• Decreasing middle school and high school dropout rates,
  
• Preventing gang involvement,
• Developing skilled football players for local high school programs, and
  
• Promoting a lifelong love of football. 

 

YIP program staff members, including partnering university personnel and local school district personnel, teach a combination of enrichment classes during the summer.  Class subjects include reading, math, science, life skills, and football training, providing program participants with the tools to develop a positive outlook on life, a set of values, and an improved self-image.  By the end of the program, participants have built an enhanced resiliency that will serve and protect them well into the future.