America SCORES
This project's parent organization is America SCORES
It operates in United States
It uses Football (Soccer)
Entered the Sport for Education Award
More about America SCORES
America SCORES uses the sport of soccer to tackle the social issue of the ‘opportunity gap’ in urban communities. Operating only in underperforming schools, where less than half of the students score at grade level proficiency in reading or writing, low academic achievement is a large part of this ‘opportunity gap.’ America SCORES provides an intensive five-day per week program – 2 days of soccer practice, 2 days of academic workshops and 1 day of soccer games.
Over 250 hours of programming are offered annually, including 90 hours of academics. Given the limited amount of time actually available for after school programming between when school ends and when students go home, America SCORES focuses on literacy because it’s the foundation for all learning, acquiring new knowledge, building confidence and communicating effectively. America SCORES curricula has purposeful links between the athletic and academic lessons – for example, students write haiku poems about their experiences on the soccer field and learn how to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.
There are not enough hours in the afternoons to eliminate the opportunity gap, but America SCORES makes an impact by offering a team-based sport and literacy instruction that is high-quality and also fun.