Today's Reality for Low-SES Kids and Families
Today's Reality for Low-SES Kids and Families
Making decisions based solely on athletic ambition can have life-altering consequences.
The dream of becoming a professional athlete is consistently used as a reason for focusing all available time and resources on athletic achievement. This unhealthy relationship can lead to unrealistic expectations from families, communities, and the athletes themselves. In a world of instant gratification and feedback, a “sports or bust” mentality can be extremely detrimental to athletes.
And yet, this “win at all costs” culture is exactly where we are today. From professional sports organizations to college recruiters, BILLIONS of dollars are spent each year to convince young athletes and their families that sports is the ONLY direction worth pursuing.
38 mins
Average amount of time a high school student will interact with their high school counselor
60%
Percentage of high school students do not have access to a college counselor through their school
39%
Percentage of college athletes that transfer or quit their sport altogether prior to start of their Junior year
42%
Percentage of students who felt so sad or hopeless every day that they stopped doing their usual activities
Cost of Sports Has Become a Barrier
Cost of Sports Has Become a Barrier
Between the rising costs of participating in private youth athletic activities and the budget constraints within public schools, it has become increasingly difficult for families to access needed support when funds aren’t available.
As a result, kids from low socioeconomic families are most susceptible to the machine that is college athletics.
Susceptible to Chasing "The Dream"
Susceptible to Chasing "The Dream"
Athletes and families in lower SES situations are more likely to be “sold the dream” of a professional pathway by both coaches and recruiters. While being a professional athlete can have lucrative gains, the rate of success entails much more than overall talent and a quality program.
Fun fact: “Full-ride” scholarships are NOT what they seem. They are 1 year, annually renewable agreements that can be rescinded by a college program for a myriad of reasons.
125M
Engagements Globally
500,000
Individuals Impacted
70%
Impact That Matters
Support Athletes On and Off the Playing Field
Use this paragraph to describe what you do. This is a great place to let your visitors know who you are. Add useful information that your users may find interesting. What makes you stand out? Why you do what you do? What is your passion? Here is where you can just let go.
Use this paragraph to describe what you do. This is a great place to let your visitors know who you are. Add useful information that your users may find interesting. What makes you stand out? Why you do what you do? What is your passion? Here is where you can just let go.