Alanta Hawks are always out in the community and this time we are shining a spotlight on Devin Harris who visited After-School All-Stars program at BEST Academy for Boys in Atlanta and received a valuable Hoop Hero award for his community service with ASAS.

Harris toured the After-School All-Stars Atlanta program, participated in media Q&A and received Hoop Hero Award from Atlanta ASAS executive director Walt Thompson. Harris receive a most valuable “Hoop Hero” award for his community service with ASAS Atlanta.

ASAS provides free daily after-school programs to help low-income, urban youth succeed in school and in life.

Link to the video: Spotlight on Atlanta Hawks Devin Harris

Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign and recent Building a Healthier America Summit successfully highlighted the nation’s urgent need to solve its childhood obesity epidemic. One of the key solutions unveiled through the Let’s Move: Active Schools plan was the importance in investing more in physical education (PE) classes and out of school programs. The good news is that many effective and scalable PE and out-of-school-time youth sports programs exist especially though partnerships between schools and community-based organizations.

The challenge will be to ensure these initiatives are sustained and not marginalized as only useful to promoting student health and activity. Youth sports programs must also demonstrate their contributions to academic success and other desired youth outcomes.

There is a sad irony that Americans are the most inactive at a time when the public is watching and spending more on sports than ever before. (How are you doing in your March Madness bracket?) Yet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1/3 of U.S. kids are overweight or obese by third grade. The President’s Council on Physical Fitness asserts that only 4 percent of all elementary and 8 percent of middle schools offer daily PE classes. Only nine states require recess. All this follows recent Grad Nation and Opportunity Nation summits that asked many of the same leaders and groups to help solve America’s current high school drop-out and career readiness crises.

With so many priorities in a time of sequestration budget cuts, where will the time and resources to deliver the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity for millions more kids come from? OST programs provide one of the most logical and pragmatic answers. But policy makers, funders and program providers would be short-sighted to under-leverage this opportunity and the country’s passion for sports to fight obesity alone.

Harvard Medical School Professor John Ratay’s work (Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, 2008) is part of a growing scholarship that shows the correlation between daily physical activity and a child’s ability to learn. Evaluations of many OST programs have also shown it is the kids who receive a combination of exercise and academic support who show better grades, attendance and behavior than kids who receive strictly extra academic support.

Indeed, the last 15 years has seen tremendous growth in the emerging field of sports-based youth development and education. The national coalition Up2Us (www.up2us.org) represents 700 like-minded groups using sports as a hook to do even more for kids. Groups such as America Scores have kids playing soccer and writing poetry. Girls on the Run has young females learning to love running while being mentored by role models to develop leadership skills. Urban Dove created a whole new sports-anchored school in New York City to re-engage at-risk high school kids in their education and help them graduate. These initiatives differ from traditional versions of youth sports programs because their curriculum and staff intentionally promote more than just playing the sport.

At After-School All-stars, we recognized the need to do even more with our daily health and fitness hour. Several years ago, we launched our national “Sports as a Hook” curriculum to show how sports programs could be designed to better promote nutrition, service-learning, nature, leadership skills, mentoring, college and career exploration.

Many of the program goals can be seen in our flagship Camp Hoop Heroes initiative taking place this week at the Miami Heat practice facility. It is a free, week long, co-ed camp for 40 of our South Florida middle-school students and 40 adult mentors — none of whom are particularly great at basketball. Each day, students go through a two-hour basketball clinic with trained coaches running drills that re-enforce the day’s leadership theme, such as discipline, teamwork or resilience. Afterwards, volunteer mentors (college educated professionals in their 20s and 30s) join the kids after work for dinner, to play basketball and participate in classroom leadership activities.

They also hear from nightly guest speakers with non-playing sports careers such as Lebron James’ business manager, a high school coach, a Fox Sports TV executive, and the head of marketing for the Miami Heat. Each speaker highlighted how leadership lessons learned from sports helped them succeed in their jobs. They also helped answer the burning student question, “If I really love basketball but can’t make the NBA – what else can I do?”

Investing in out-of-school-time youth sports programs is one of the smartest strategies our nation can undertake to combat childhood obesity. But long-term public support for these efforts will only come if programs do much more than just getting kids to move.

Website: http://www.youthtoday.org/view_blog.cfm?blog_id=704

Aaron Dworkin is committed to serving and supporting at-risk youth during out-of-school time hours. As Executive Vice-President for the ASAS National Network based in an East Coast National office in Washington D.C., Aaron works to ensure program quality, collaboration and fiscal sustainability amongst the 13 ASAS chapters across the US.

Tsutsui: After school program will be free or low cost

HONOLULU — There are a few activities Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui wants in a new intermediate and middle school after school program.

“One things in talking to parents, after school administrators and principal is there seems to be a gap in the middle school area,” said Lt. Gov. Tsutsui.

The project will be similar to the federally-funded After-School All-Stars program, which is only available in a few schools across the state.

“It’s a comprehensive approach looking at academic enrichment. Looking at culture as well as athletics being the key component of this program,” said Tsutsui.

Educators say having an after school program will help keep middle school students productive and out of trouble during some of the most crucial years of their lives.

“Kids are pushing for their independence. They are willing to take risky behavior because they are not old enough or mature enough to understand the consequences so that’s what makes these years dangerous,” said Washington Middle School Principal Michael Harano.

The lieutenant governor says funding for the program will be based on a community approach. He’ll look for local sponsorship from local businesses and from the area community. Some of the money could come from the state.

“We think it’s going to be an integral part and that’s something I’ll be solely responsible for,” said Tsutsui.

As for the after school cost to parents? Tsutsui says it will be free or at a low cost to enroll your keiki.

Read more: http://www.kitv.com/news/hawaii/Lt-Gov-unveils-program-for-middle-school-students/-/8905354/19325648/-/7ilwek/-/index.html

To purchase tickets or for sponsorship opportunities and additional information, please call 305.576.4026 or visit www.sfasas.org

RSVP – March 4th to Alan Fields, Executive Director P: 718-990-6494 or fieldsa@stjohns.edu

Annual Evening of Stars Fundraiser

When: March 1st, 2013
Where: Hilton Columbus Downtown 401 North High Street, Columbus, OH 43215

After-School All-Stars Ohio will host its annual Evening of Stars fundraiser on Friday, March 1 at the new Hilton Columbus Downtown. The 2013 Evening of Stars will serve as a celebration of our recent expansion into schools in Dayton and Toledo and new school sites in Columbus. We will share our successes and offer an opportunity to engage with our students and our programming. We will also highlight the talent and contributions of our community partners and avid supporters.

This year’s program will honor First Lady Karen Kasich and giving special recognition to the President and CEO of Classic Productions, James Lorimer and former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for their commitment to After-School All-Stars and in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Arnold Sports Festival.
We hope that you will join us in our endeavor by participating in our Evening of Stars. If you have any questions or would like to purchase tickets, please contact Ayisha Marawi, Community Outreach & Events Coordinator, at (614) 257-1678 or via email at ayisha@as-as.org.

The Colombian singer concert featured students from a special program in Los Angeles
By Newsroom TODAY | 2/13/2013, 1:36 pm
 
 
 

More than 600 children and Juanes fans had the fortune of having their idol a few feet away for a private concert in Los Angeles on Monday night.
 

Before the show, students in the program After-School All-Stars, a nonprofit organization, had the opportunity to see Juanes during a sound check, something you normally do in private. And after this, attendees were able to ask Juanes some questions.

It was announced that the May 17 will be the start to Juanes concert tour “Loud & Unplugged”. The tour will begin in Bakersfield, California.

This tour will take Juanes spirit of celebration for his multiple Latin Grammys and won his most recent Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album, which he received on Sunday for his album MTV Unplugged.

“This past year has been one of the most rewarding creative level in my career and playing live every night in this style-so close and personal with my audience-is a great joy. Each show feels like a party full of Featured musical moments and I am grateful to our sponsors who are helping us share these very special evenings with fans, “said Juanes referring to MetroPCS Communications Inc. and ZTE, companies who will support the tour.

This alliance was released on Monday with a private concert in Los Angeles for the 600 lucky and culminate Loud & Unplugged tour from coast to coast, where a limited number of fans can win the chance to meet the superstar in person.

Read more: http://hoylosangeles.com/news/2013/feb/13/juanes-le-canto-los-ninos/

Partnership launches programs at Los Angeles, New York and Hawaii Chapters
to teach students healthier habits

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. – (February 5, 2013) – In its continuing efforts to help tackle the obesity epidemic, SENSA® Products, LLC today announced that it has partnered with After-School All-Stars (ASAS), a national non-profit organization providing after-school programs that inspire students to become more active, healthy and empowered.

Through this partnership, SENSA® and ASAS have joined together to implement “Healthy Eating Classes” for middle school children to teach them the importance of nutrition, proper portion control, and physical activity; provide them with the tools to grow their own vegetable gardens; teach them healthy recipes to cook with their families; and more! The classes will take place at 18 schools throughout Los Angeles, Hawaii and New York, reaching more than 5,000 students and parents.

“Most eating and exercise habits are formed during childhood, so it is important that students develop healthy habits from a young age. At SENSA®, we are dedicated to educating the public about proper nutrition and exercise as we strive to help tackle the obesity epidemic,” said Kristin Chadwick, President of SENSA® Products, LLC. “We are excited to partner with After-School All Stars, and we are confident that together, we can empower students to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.”

Founded by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992, ASAS fuels students’ individual passions by tying their interests to academics, enrichment activities and sports. ASAS also gives its students a safe-haven during the after-school hours when kids are most likely to be exposed to negative influences.

“At After-School All-Stars, our goal is to provide students with the opportunities they deserve and the skills they need to do well – in school and in life,” Ben Paul, President and CEO, After-School All-Stars said. “SENSA® is a natural partner for us, as they share our commitment to improving the health of America’s youth and encouraging them to succeed in life.”

For more information about SENSA®, please visit www.sensahealthandwellness.com.

About SENSA®
SENSA® advocates education and a healthy lifestyle of portion control and regular exercise. For those who want to learn proper portion control, SENSA® is a simple and effective weight-loss solution that makes it easy for people to achieve a healthy weight while still enjoying a happy, meaningful life. It has helped hundreds of thousands of people lose weight without traditional dieting, stimulants or pills. For more information, visit www.sensahealthandwellness.com.

About After School All-Stars
Founded by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992, After-School All-Stars is a leading national provider of year-round, school-based, comprehensive after-school programs that equip children with the skills and experiences needed to become productive members of the 21st century workforce. Every day, children participate in free programs that include academic support, enrichment opportunities, and health/fitness activities designed to keep children safe and help them succeed in school and in life. Over 92,000 children from families of poverty benefit in 14 U.S. areas.

** MEDIA ALERT **

METROPCS TEAMS UP WITH UFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION CAIN VELASQUEZ TO MENTOR LAS VEGAS STUDENTS

Students from CP Squires Elementary School’s After-School All-Stars (ASAS) Las Vegas program to participate in an exclusive clinic from UFC legend Cain Velasquez and learn what it takes to be successful in professional sports

WHAT: On Thursday, January 31, 250 students from CP Squires Elementary School who are enrolled in After- School All-Stars Las Vegas will receive the opportunity of a lifetime to meet reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez and get motivational advice about what it takes to become a professional athlete.

After the meet and greet, 50 students in ASAS’ Martial Arts program will get the opportunity to have an intimate skills and training camp with the Heavyweight Champion where they will learn the importance of health and nutrition along with some jiujutsu moves from Cain.

This event is part of MetroPCS’ continued support of After-School All-Stars Las Vegas, which provides free, daily comprehensive after-school programs that educate, enlighten and inspire deserving youths from low-income communities.

WHEN: Thursday, January 31, 2013
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. PT

WHERE: CP Squires Elementary
1312 East Tonopah
North Las Vegas, NV 89030

VISUALS: ASAS Las Vegas Students interacting with UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez

INTERVIEW
• UFC Heavyweight Champion Cain Velasquez

###

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jordan Shelton
GolinHarris for MetroPCS
(225) 281-0805; jshelton@golinharris.com

Melissa Warren
Faiss Foley Warren for After-School All-Stars Las Vegas
(702) 528-6016; melissa@ffwpr.com

Approximately 25 pupils from the MLK and Sylvan middle schools (grades 6-8) were rewarded for their exemplary service to the Atlanta community. In fact, many had arrived to Philips Arena after partaking in projects commemorating a National Service Day, defining Dr. King’s national holiday.

The numerous perks included an arena tour and pregame question-and-answer session with NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins and Hawks broadcasters Mike “Stinger” Glenn and Bob Rathbun.

Wilkins, the Hawks’ all-time leading scorer (23,292 points with Atlanta), impressed youngsters with tales of his high-flying days in the NBA (1982-99), including tips for handling Michael Jordan. He also got in a few plugs for the University of Georgia, just in case the kids might need a nudge when picking their college of choice — five, six or seven years from now.

Glenn, a 10-year NBA veteran (1977-87), was also happy to share stories from his playing days with the Knicks, Hawks, Bucks and Buffalo Braves (now the L.A. Clippers). While doing so, Glenn simultaneously talked and sign-languaged for the kids, revealing that he was the first NBA player to launch a basketball camp for deaf children.

Prior to speaking with Wilkins, Glenn and Rathbun, the kids met Hawks guard Devin Harris, who serves as an ASAS ambassador and Hoop Hero. As part of his long relationship with the organization, Harris will donate $10 to the ASAS for every personal point scored during the regular season.

Rounding out their day of fun, the ASAS youngsters taped a promo for SportsSouth’s Hawks LIVE, the pregame show for every Atlanta TV broadcast. After that, they got an up-close view at the taping for Hawks LIVE, before enjoying the Hawks-Timberwolves matinee in a suite.

After-School All-Stars is a national non-profit that serves inner-city youths across the country by providing daily after-school programs on school sites. In metro Atlanta alone, ASAS serves nearly 3,000 children at 15 middle schools.

These programs give kids the tools to succeed in school and in life, such as high-school readiness, service learning, career exploration and health and fitness.

Through this partnership, which has involved FOX since 2010, ASAS strives to help tackle the childhood obesity crisis (33 percent of children are obese or overweight by the third grade) by giving kids the opportunity to participate in physical activity every day. As a supplement, kids are also provided with helpful tips regarding health and nutrition.

Read More: http://www.foxsportssouth.com/01/21/13/After-School-All-Stars-attend-Hawks-game/landing_hawks.html?blockID=852611&feedID=3703