Cleats for Kids

PROJECT PURPOSE

Equip Oklahoma?s goal address the lack of income as a barrier to kids being physically active as well as participating in sports. C4K provides kids in financial need shoes and sports gear need to play. The ARPA funds would support providing shoes to kids pre-k through high school free of charge when kids do not have access to safe sports shoes. C4K works with families, schools and other nonprofits in all 76 counties to serve kids in financial need. Youth from low income homes are almost half as likely to participate in sports as those from higher income families. 22% of kids ages 6-12 in households with under $25,000 income played sports as compared to 43% of kids in households earning income over $100,000. When a family is struggling to keep food on the table, buying a pair shoes to participate in school PE, enjoy free play in the park with friends or join a sports team is not an option. All kids, regardless of income level, should have the benefits of being physically active. Research shows that active kids have higher graduation rates, academic test scores, less risky behaviors, lower levels of stress, depression and health problems. [Aspen Institute Project Play, American Psychological Association, Active Learning Research.] C4K has had an increase in requests for shoes and equipment since the pandemic. Funds will be used to serve more kids in need.

EVIDENCE

Sports participation teaches life lessons which translate to the classroom and beyond. While kids are busy being physically active, they are learning about teamwork, perseverance, leadership, respect and problem solving. Student athletes also have higher graduation rates - 17% higher rate than non-athletes in Oklahoma City Public Schools. [OKCPS data]. After a PE class, kids test better, do better in memory tasks and have fewer behavior problems. [Active Learning Research] Being physically active also results in less risky behaviors and healthier lifestyles. [Aspen Institute Project Play Report] Kids who are physically active have lower levels of depression, stress and psychological distress and higher levels of positive self-image, life satisfaction and psychological wellbeing. Exercise protects children?s mental health with kids who exercise having fewer symptoms of major depressive disorders. [American Psychological Association, April 2020] Every child deserves the opportunity to have the incredible benefits of physical play.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The Equip Oklahoma Program serves kids whose families are in financial need. Kids living below the poverty level [one in four Oklahoma families] are more than three times as likely to be inactive in sports. 14.3% of Oklahomans reported income below the poverty level. [US Census Bureau] 33% of single family parent households live below the poverty line in Oklahoma. [Oklahoma Spotlight on Poverty] . C4K works with schools and other nonprofit organizations to serve those families in financial need. For instance, in schools across the state, including OKCPS and Tulsa PS where approximately 90% of kids are on free and reduced lunch, we are working with the coaches and teachers to get shoes and gear to kids. A new program is with through the OKC Police YES division to prevent truancy and get kids footwear who do not have any to wear to school and PE.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

C4K evaluates five primary metrics: (1) distribution data; (2) available data from school districts for athletes GPA?s, attendance, and graduation rates; (3) participation levels in schools and leagues; (4) surveys to students, teachers and coaches regarding sports and physical activity?s impact on youth development areas like teamwork, focus, and morale/self-confidence; and (5) impact stories shared from students and coaches.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma