We are in our 4th consecutive year with the Youth Impact Program at Stanford starting on June 30th - July 18th!
Check out the video from our 2013 program:
Video produced by Jon Oswald on Vimeo.
Check out the exciting results in the NFL YIP Report for our successful program last summer!
Please click here:
2013 NFL YIP Report
Riki Ellison teaches the Haka at Stanford YIP
Out on the football field, the boys had a lesson in Kiwi culture as Mr. Ellison taught them a traditional Maori haka. They learned the meanings of the ritual, and performed it with passion! The video is up on YouTube and YIP Facebook Page:
http://youtu.be/A0FonVe2EPY
Stanford YIP
(Dr. William Van Cleave Award, Marines visit,
Lockheed Martin visit)
This final week of Stanford YIP has been full of activity. Tuesday and Wednesday, Riki Ellison, YIP founder and chairman, personally visited, and took part in the daily activities.
We also presented, with the US Marines of the 24th Regiment and the Van Cleave family, the Dr. Bill Van Cleave Award for Academic Excellence to four of our boys, hand-picked by YIP teaching staff. Establishing this award is important for YIP, as it not only recognizes the recipients, but provides inspiration to all the boys with days left in the program, and demonstrates our commitment first and foremost to academics. The award is named in honor and memory of Dr. William Van Cleave, a lover of the game and a member of the prestigious Hoover Institution on Stanford's campus.
Later in the afternoon, the U.S. Marines engaged with YIP participants through an obstacle course on the field, and a speech. Their example of character and life skills brought another great aspect to the program.
The same day, Lockheed Martin returned for a second week, this time to present the science of rocketry, and provide more inspiration to dream big in science and engineering. The lesson culminated with the firing off of rockets in Stanford Stadium. Everyone was engaged, from the boys to the Stanford athletes, captivated by the simplicity and excitement of watching rocket launches in the grandeur of the Stanford football stadium.
We also welcomed visitors Artie Gigantino, USA Football Heads Up Master trainer, and Stanford d-line assistant Vae Tata, who shared words with our boys, adding to the positive messaging and impact we strive for at YIP.
Dr. Condoleezza Rice and Dr. John York visit the YIP
Monday, Dr. John York, co-chairman of the San Francisco 49ers, and Dr. Condoleezza Rice were at YIP, and spoke to our boys on a variety of meaningful and important topics.
Dr. York shared his experiences growing up, and attending and graduating from Notre Dame University. He stressed the importance of education, as well as the harmful impacts of prejudice.
Dr. Rice spoke on the importance of relationships, as well as the value of working hard to improve oneself. She also emphasized the imperative to takes care of both one's mind, and body throughout their life.
It is a true honor to have these distinguished individuals speak to our boys, and we are very thankful for their participation.
Riki Ellison attends NFL Foundation,
USA Football Youth
Summit
YIP Chairman and Founder, Riki Ellison, was in Canton, Ohio
this week participating in the NFL Foundation-USA Football Youth Summit. Mr. Ellison was selected to be a NFL Ambassador representing Virginia, joining 11 current NFL players and 20 former NFL players in promoting the love of the game, education on making the game safer, and increasing awareness on concussions, their impacts, and their prevention.
Mr. Ellison was trained in the same USA Football "Heads Up Football" initiative that our student-athlete mentors underwent prior to this year's YIP, and the safe tackling techniques being coached during the entire program this summer at Stanford.
The summit's focus on football health and safety strongly reflects YIP's commitment to being on the forefront of preventative football training.
"There is no better venue or program that appeals to "moms" and parents to encourage and allow their sons to play the game of football than the academic, life skills and football instruction at the Stanford Youth Impact program," said Mr. Ellison.
The full press release can be found here.
Lockheed Martin Provides STEM Learning
There are some great vibes at YIP these days!
Wednesday, July 17th, Lockheed Martin, Sunnyvale employees were at YIP presenting liquid nitrogen demos, and talking about STEM topics to our boys. YIP participants not only watched and listened to a demonstration on the chemical coolant and the science of cryogenics, but had a hands-on opportunity to instantly freeze a flower.
The experience was truly a captivating one for all attending, and was a great opportunity to generate interest in science as a lifelong passion.
Rhett Ellison Spends the Day at Stanford YIP
On Friday, Rhett Ellison visited the Stanford YIP. The ex-mentor and current Minnesota Vikings TE/FB spent the day with our boys, sitting in on classes and sharing insights on his experiences growing up in the region, and the values of education and football in achieving success on and off the field. He took the time personally interacting with the participants, and fielded questions ranging from his journey to the NFL to his draft-day emotions.
Official press release accessible here or here.
YIP Visit to 49ers Facility
Our YIP participants had the exciting opportunity to visit the San Francisco 49ers facility on Thursday. The boys took part in football clinics run jointly by the 49ers and our student-athlete mentors, and enjoyed lunch before departing. Each boy also received a shirt to take home and remember the event by. The Youth Impact Program extends its gratitude to the 49ers organization for making this field trip happen.
Exciting Start to Stanford YIP!
Only a few days into our Stanford YIP 2013, excitement is abound. Following Monday's opening day press release - to be found on our Press Release page
- our program participants were paid a surprise visit by NFLers Andrew Luck, Darrius Heyward-Bay, Chris Owusu, Griff Whalen and Zach Ertz. The gentlemen spent some time with our boys, sharing words of wisdom.
We are also excited and honored to announce that Lockheed Martin and its employees will once more contribute to our academic curriculum, as YIP continues its commitment to STEM principles. Employees from Lockheed Martin, Sunnyvale will visit and teach about the science and mathematics of propulsion and rocket engineering. Their presentations will provide invaluable exposure to our boys, having them see some applications of mathematics and science to develop a passion early in life.
Stanford YIP Begins with Words of Support from
David
Shaw: Press Release
"We are thrilled to once again partner with the Youth Impact Program, the NFL and the San Francisco 49ers", said David Shaw, Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football and Head Coach. "It's our third year hosting the program at Stanford, where we strive to positively impact the participants by teaching, mentoring and motivating them to succeed in the classroom and on the playing field."
Full press release accessible here or
here.
We begin today at Stanford University with great excitement and anticipation for the first day of our Youth Impact Program this summer!
RENEWED YIP PARTNERSHIP WITH THE
NFL
We are very proud to announce our renewed partnership with the NFL, as they have once more committed both resources and support to the Youth Impact Program this year. We strongly believe that our program aligns with their youth football development, and their charitable mission of giving back. We take great pride in this program that includes all levels of player involvement - from future, to current and ex players - and in particular, the positive reflection of the traits and character of the NFL and its members.
On behalf of our young boys, our student athletes, our staff, all of our supporters, and the thousand of boys that have gone through this program over the years, thank you NFL, Commissioner Roger Goodell, Senior Advisor Joe Browne, and NFL Youth Football Fund Director Alexia Gallagher.
Meet our 13 Student-Athlete Stanford YIP Mentors
They will be providing leadership to the boys on and off the field throughout the program!
Training Begins at Stanford University
Our Founder, Riki Ellison, was at Stanford University today speaking to the Youth Impact Program's student-athlete mentors about the purpose and core values of the program. He shared words on the critical value of building essential relationships based on trust with the young boys participating in the program, and the beneficial impact of these relationships in the short and long term to both the boys involved and the community as a whole.
He also touched on how the program would aid in the development of the Stanford football players themselves, helping them become positive contributors to their team, their university, to the Bay Area community, as well as wherever they pursue their future careers.
Ultimately, it is about giving back.
Stanford YIP 2013 to Kickoff on July 8th!
The Youth Impact Program is looking forward to another summer of working with the students and staff of Stanford University, as well as the public school teachers who help make the program possible. Most importantly, YIP is looking forward to meeting another group of young men from the region who provide purpose for the organization year after year.
Stanford YIP 2013 will take place over three weeks in July, and will again devote its efforts to providing a balanced curriculum emphasizing STEM learning, fitness and healthy living, as well as positive character development for the youth participating in the program.
This year's program will also feature special visits from former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and Dr. John York, co-chairman of the 49ers. Both are returning speakers, and will no doubt impart valuable messages to all attending.
For more information on how to contribute to the continued success of the Youth Impact Program, or for more information on eligibility, and how to register someone for the program, feel free to
contact us
via telephone or e-mail. You may also
donate
directly
and securely through our PayPal account.
Congratulations to Justin Pugh and Shamarko Thomas - Two Former YIP Mentors Drafted into the NFL in 2013!
Justin Pugh, who served as a mentor at the Syracuse YIP, was drafted in the
first round, and was the 19th pick overall by the New York Giants. Justin was a three-year starter at left tackle for Syracuse, and has been switched to right tackle with the Giants. Justin appears to have a promising career with the Giants.
Shamarko Thomas, who also served as a mentor at the Syracuse YIP, was drafted in the fourth round, and was the 111th pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Shamarko played safety at Syracuse and was a standout performer at the NFL scouting combine, leading all draft-eligible safeties with a 4.42 40-yard dash, 28 bench press reps and a 40.5-inch vertical jump.
YIP wishes Justin and Shamarko the very best of luck going forward in their Rookie NFL seasons!
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Congratulations on successful Rookie 2013 NFL seasons to two of our former YIP mentors- Rhett Ellison and Chandler Jones!
Rhett Ellison, who served as a mentor at the University of Southern California YIP in years past, was drafted in the fourth round by the Minnesota Vikings. Rhett, the 128th pick overall, played fullback and tight end for the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans and is the son of YIP Chairman and Founder Riki Ellison. Rhett had a very successful rookie year with the Vikings and made it to the playoffs.
Chandler Jones, who served as a mentor at the Syracuse YIP the past two years, was drafted in the first round, picked as the 21st player overall by the New England Patriots. Chandler played Defensive End at Syracuse for the Orange and had a very successful rookie year with the Patriots and made it to the final round of the playoffs.
YIP wishes Rhett and Chandler the very best of luck going forward in their respective NFL careers!
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
"To influence positive change of
pre-adolescent at risk boys'
direction and outcome in life."
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