Learning in Fitness and Education through Sports (LiFEsports)

IMPACT. 1: In 2014-2015, over 650 youth engaged in the four-week LiFEsports Summer Camp and nearly 300 youth participated in a LiFEsports. Youth who participated in our Summer Camp reported improved social skills and sport competence. -- 2. Through employment opportunities, internships, volunteering experiences, or academic coursework, approximately 290 OSU students from 14 different academic departments participated in LiFEsports. Additionally, nearly 50 student-athletes also participated in various aspects of the program. -- 3. The LiFEsports program model was presented at international, national, and regional conferences, such as the National School Mental Health Conference, the Society on Social Work Research, and the Ohio SHAPE Conference. Additionally, research on LiFEsports was published in books and journals such as the Journal of Sports Management.OSU PARTNERS: College of Social Work; Department of Athletics; Department of Recreational Sports; Office of Outreach and Engagement; College of Education and Human Ecology, Department of Human Services; College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences; College of Nursing; College of Dentistry; College of Arts and Sciences; College of Optometry; Undergraduate Admission and First Year Experience; Office of Student Life; P-12 Project; Facilities Operations and Development; Dining ServicesCOMMUNITY PARTNERS: Illinois State University; Michigan State University; After School All-Stars Ohio; All THAT; Boys and Girls Club of Columbus; Columbus City Schools; I Know I Can; Local Matters; Mid-Ohio Food Bank; Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRA); Youth to Youth International; Cardinal Health; Columbus Crew; Greater Columbus Arts Council; Huntington National Bank; Ortho Neuro; Pitney Bowes Presort Services; ADAMH Board of Franklin County; Ohio Department of EducationPRIMARY CONTACT: Rebecca Wade-Mdivanian (wade-mdivanian.1@osu.edu)The LiFEsports initiative aims to enhance the quality of youth development, sport and recreational programs though service and outreach, teaching and learning, and research, thereby increasing positive developmental outcomes for youth