Mission

Youth Stars is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit academic sports association.

Youth Stars provides athletics and academic support to inner city youth who come from low-income

communities with limited resources, and further extends services to the inner-city community through the

wellness running program. Youth Stars goal is to provide youth with opportunities to be successful in life

by use of free educational support and sports services. Youth stars looks to promote the importance of

education and encourage youth to stay in school and maintain a drug-free environment. We encourage the

youth to maintain good grades, while also encouraging them and their communities to remain healthy by

being active in sports and running.

Goals

Youth Stars is bursting with excitement as we unveil ambitious plans for a future that shines brighter for both children and adults in our inner-city community! We're not just building brick and mortar, we're bridging generations and empowering families to thrive.

A Haven for All: Imagine a central hub where children blossom under the guidance of expert tutors and coaches, and adults find support and resources to navigate life's challenges. This, friends, is our vision for our permanent home. We're seeking a space to house state-of-the-art academic facilities, a vibrant sports complex, and a welcoming wellness center – all under one roof, fostering connections and strengthening the whole community.

Rooted in Community, Reaching New Heights: While we lay the foundation for our new home, Youth Stars remains an active champion. Our elite basketball teams, beacons of teamwork and dedication, will continue to excel, inspiring young athletes on and off the court. We'll also forge strong partnerships to multiply our impact and reach more families than ever before.

Investing in Our Collective Future: To ignite this next chapter, we're aiming to raise over $100,000. This support will fuel opportunities for both children and adults:

• High-quality tutoring sessions led by seasoned educators, opening doors to academic success for children.

• Top-notch facilities and dedicated coaching powering our sports programs, nurturing well-rounded young athletes.

• A comprehensive wellness center for families to embrace healthy habits, building a stronger foundation for future generations.

• Adult education and career development programs, empowering parents and caregivers to reach their full potential.

• Support groups and community events fostering connection and resilience within our families.

Remember, each contribution, big or small, is a stepping stone towards achieving our mission: empowering inner-city families to thrive, together. Be a part of this transformative journey! Donate, volunteer, spread the word – together, let's build a bridge to a brighter future, one family at a time.

History

Youth Stars Inc started in 2004 at the Garden School in Jackson Heights Queens. Leagues that we have competed in;

C.Y.O (Catholic Youth Organization)

S.R.C.A (Salve Regina Catholic Academy)

I.B.L (International Basketball League)

St. Stan’s (Richmond Hill High School Queens)

Hoop Connection- Summer League 

Playing Sports in the "80’s" 

When I think back to my childhood and reminisce about some of the troubles that eluded my upbringing, I attribute staying out of trouble and staying focused on school to family values and morals installed in me. My childhood was spent growing up in the Chelsea projects of downtown Manhattan. I also can’t overlook how my involvement in organized sports played a fundamental role in my life. Despite all the negative stigma and social inequalities that came with lower-class status, playing sports also brought about a feeling of freedom, confidence, and pride. We competed and supported our local church through C.Y.O and our local police prescient through P.S.A.L.  I played baseball in the summer and spring, and football, basketball, and hockey in the fall and winter. 

The streets were our playground; we played two-hand touch football in the middle of the street, stoop ball off the sidewalk, fire hydrants and parked cars were our bases in stickball.  Trash talking led to scuffles at times. We officiated our games and learned to communicate and resolve our differences while playing sports. It was genuine fun, and in hindsight - an everlasting learning experience. Maintaining equipment and entry fees to participate in these sports was expensive - my mom supported my participation in sports.

I recall my mom taking me to Paragon Sporting Goods in Chelsea, Manhattan where I was raised. Our constant trips to Paragon Sporting Goods for hockey and football equipment were frequent. These purchases were made regardless of my moms modest income. My moms unconditional love and support for my needs, certainly had an enormous impact on my passion for sports in later years to come. Eventually, the discipline and structure that sports taught me transpired into good grades, a teaching career, and a life-long avid sports fan. Sports was my outlet, it was my escape to paradise. It allowed me to think clearly. It allowed me to dream. Playing sports fostered discipline, gave me confidence, and showed me about sportsmanship and playing as a team.

I’ve combined my passion for education and sports and founded - Youth Stars, an academic sports program. We have ambassador coaches in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens & The Bronx – We share the same philosophy; a passion for sports and education. We have been focusing on creating standard/benchmarks in making sure athletes maintain a B average in school in order to continue involvement in the program.  Organized sports will foster good grades, which will help nurture children as a whole. Criminal statistics will tell us that the main reason why youths commit crimes is because…as they’ve been quoted – “I was BORED.” Youth Stars will serve as an outlet to these kids.  Everyone involved; staff and donors alike, can now be part of a solution to this growing crisis. Please contribute to our fundraising fund, and make a difference!

The following are journals/articles depicting negative consequences due to boredom, and even more of a reason to promote and support Youth Stars! The Solution to Juvenile Crime, by Shannon Brown, Arizona University (A student perspective) 

LINKS

http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/boredom-made-me-rape---prisoner-1318729

On the Brink in Brownsville, The New York Times – By Mosi Secret May 1, 2014

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/04/magazine/on-the-brink-in-brownsville.html?_r=0
Boredom – Causes of Crime – BBC News/UK/Education