Eau Claire is in the midst of its 19th year in the Chippewa Valley, giving children the chance to learn in a classroom setting and participate in sports activities. The federally funded program will continue through July 14. The sports component of the program emphasizes instruction, competition, physical fitness and lifetime sports, while the educational program is structured like a classroom environment and deals with alcohol and drug issues, nutrition, higher education, career choices and math and science. The kids are exposed to and learn new skills in the classroom and on the field. It's a great opportunity for them.
Participants also meet new friends and form strong relationships.
We have kids from all over the area meet people they normally wouldn't. The daily routine during the five-week program is similar to a regular school day with a bus pick up and drop off, different periods and meals. Now in its 19th year, UW-Eau Claire's NYSP program is nationally recognized for the opportunities it provides to area children. Since 1988, it has been acknowledged seven times as one of the top five programs among the 182 administered nationwide for disadvantaged youth by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. In 1991 and again last year, the university's program was judged the top program in the country and awarded the Silvio O. Conte Award for Excellence.