Who We Serve: \;ConNEXTions \;serves youth ages 14-22 who have demonstrated exceptional student-athletic ability. These gifted athletes typically reside in single-parent households and attend school in what would be considered an economically disadvantaged district. Despite having tremendous talent\, it is not enough to overcome the significant barriers in accessing the developmental resources often provided to their more affluent peers. In addition to economic hardships\, these students also face social challenges that surround underserved and at-risk youth such as drugs\, alcohol and tobacco use\, gangs and other unsafe behavior. \;
\n\nThe Need for \;ConNEXTions: \;For many students\, scholarships are the only way of obtaining a college degree. The students served by \;ConNEXTions \;are the first in their family to attend college which increases their likelihood of breaking generational cycles of poverty and encourages their younger siblings to attend college as well. Most students wishing to attend college are hoping to play their sport at a professional level\, thus the path to get to college and succeed in their sport is fraught with substantial obstacles that can derail even the most determined and dedicated student-athlete.
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\nConNEXTions \;Programming: \;ConNEXTions \;is built to serve and support student-athletes on an individual level as each student has their own set of hardships. The programs offered at \;ConNEXTions \;offer a wide range of tools and resources to provide each student the best chance at achieving their personal and professional goals. Funding would support the following activities: \;
Athletic Camps: \;These camps provide student-athletes with opportunities to work with respected professional trainers and receive vital medical and mental health screenings with the expertise of licensed sports psychologists. These camps also foster the development of healthy peer relationships between our aspiring athletes. These relationships form a peer-to-peer support network\, reducing the friction of competition and allowing students to build life-long friendships rather than harmful rivalries.
\n\nMental Health Resources: \;Managing the intense stress and pressure that comes with performing at a high level is essential to a student-athlete'\;s success both on and off the field. \;ConNEXTions&rsquo\; \;mental performance coaches are there for student-athletes 24/7 and specialize in enhancing the mental strength needed for athletes to get to the NEXT level.
\n\nTutoring: \;ConNEXTions \;provides educational development resources that enhance the overall probability of academic success and graduation among our student-athletes.
\n\nHigh School and College Recruiting Assistance: \;It is important for student-athletes to initiate contact with college coaches. \;ConNEXTions \;provides guidance to help parents better understand the important factors of choosing a college beyond \;the strength of its athletic program such as location\, academic opportunities\, college size and career opportunities. \;
\n\nProfessional Rehabilitation: \;When an injury occurs\, the best decision must be made in a timely manner. Sports medicine &\; surgical doctors on the \;ConNEXTions \;team perform office testing\, x-rays\, and MRIs along with supplying the student&rsquo\;s family with the necessary information to make informed decisions.
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