SYRACUSE – The ‘Hoops for the Stars’ program will kick off its second year with an on-court presentation to honor more than 150 Syracuse area youth on Wednesday, November 11 at the Syracuse University men’s basketball game against Robert Morris at the Carrier Dome. For the second year in a row, SU and the National Grid Foundation partnered to implement the program to provide positive reinforcement, recognition of improved academic performance and attendance in school, a decrease in negative behavior, and positive contributions to the community. The program underscores a shared commitment by Syracuse University Athletics and the National Grid Foundation to create opportunities for solutions to educational issues within the Syracuse City School District.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with the National Grid Foundation for the ‘Hoops for the Stars’ program for the second year in a row”, said Syracuse Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross. “The program was a great success last year and it shows how Syracuse University Athletics and our community can continue to work together to enrich the educational experience for the youth. We thank the National Grid Foundation for making this all possible.”
Through the National Grid Foundation’s commitment of $20,000, Syracuse University Athletics is providing 3,750 tickets to over 1,500 student achievers from the Syracuse City School District’s eight middle schools and a parent or guardian with tickets to select Orange men’s home basketball games, including the contest on November 11 against Robert Morris.
"We are proud to partner with SU Athletics in establishing a program that demonstrates our commitment to education and to the communities we serve,” said National Grid Foundation Executive Director Robert G. Keller.
“We are deeply grateful to the National Grid Foundation and Syracuse University for recognizing the academic achievement of our students and honoring them at this basketball game,” said Syracuse Superintendent Daniel G. Lowengard. “I am confident it is an experience they will never forget.”
Through the SU Athletic Department’s (SUAD) ‘Cuse Cares Community Service Program, student-athletes and coaches completed nearly 2,400 hours of community service last year, many of which were spent stressing the importance of education. ‘Cuse Cares serves as a means by which students are inspired to become meaningful contributors in their community. The program has been awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Public Engagement and Scholarship for the past 11 years.