SuperSTARS Summer Leadership Academy

More about SuperSTARS Summer Leadership Academy

In the United States, urban girls of color have the fewest opportunities to participate in sports and fitness of any demographic group of youth. The need for PowerPlay programming is critical; girls participate in sports in NYC at half the rate that boys do. Physical education programs in NYC have been cut drastically; in community-based programs girls are often left behind when it comes to sport participation. Research shows that girls are increasingly at risk when it comes to obesity, pregnancy, drug use and depression. Sport participation is an effective intervention for combating these problems, as well as providing the life lessons and skills for success and healthy living.

The Academy is an intensive summer experience that provides opportunities for girls to i) learn and utilize a variety of life skills important for academic, career and life success; (ii) learn, and practice a healthy lifestyle, (iii) connect with positive female role models, (iv) apply the life lessons from sports participation – teamwork, leadership, discipline, practice, communication, - to group projects and workplace internships. For many participants, the experience is beyond life-changing. “I will never forget my summer at PowerPlay,” and “PowerPlay changed my life” are common post-program responses.