NYC: Academics In Motion students achieve 98% graduation rate

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New York, NY September 11, 2008 -- Academics In Motion (AIM) (www.academicsinmotion.org), a local non-profit organization that uses sports participation to improve academic performance among students in under-resourced high schools, today, released its 2007-2008 Academic Performance Report proving its participating students continue to maintain above average academic standing in New York City public schools. The results show that 98% of AIM seniors graduated, 78% of them plan to attend college, and 92% of all AIM students met and maintained eligibility requirements to play sports.

Established in 2005 by Terry Quinn and Jim Presbrey, the organization equips students with the necessary tools and resources to advance their academic performance, realize their full potential on-and-off the court, and empower them to pursue secondary education after high school. Recognizing the unique success of the program, in 2006, AIM was awarded a five-year 1 million dollar contract from the New York City Public School Board of Education to facilitate programs in the New York City metropolitan area.

AIM tracks its performance through a third-party partnership with Springfield College's Center for Youth Development and Research. Under the leadership of Al Petitpas, the college collects and evaluates data in order to document AIM's successes, identify best practices, and provide the information necessary to develop program improvements.

"We are thrilled with this year's Academic Performance Report," said Jim Presbrey, Co-Founder and Vice President, Academics In Motion. "The increase in average GPA as well as graduation and eligibility rates indicates that we are on track with our mission to improve the academics of all student athletes who participate in our program. These results show that the students are better positioned to pursue secondary schooling."

THE 2007-2008 RESULTS:

With nearly 500 basketball players from nine high schools participating in Academics in Motion in New York in 2007-2008; the students were evaluated based on the following parameters: Eligibility, Grade Point Average, and College Entrance Exams and senior plans. Additionally all AIM students were encouraged to get involved in community service activities to further enrich the development of life skills.

ELIGIBILITY:
In order for students to participate in any school sponsored sports, they must meet and maintain eligibility requirements. In New York City public schools meeting eligibility means that students must pass four credit bearing subjects and physical education. This year, 92% of all AIM students met and maintained eligibility for the entire course of the school year.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE:
A cumulative average GPA of 65 is the passing rate in New York State. According to this year's results, the cumulative average GPA for AIM students was 76.28- far exceeding the State's passing rate and better positioning the students for college entrance as well as providing increased self-confidence to achieve their long-term goals.

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS AND SENIOR PLANS:
Regarding all activities pertaining to the SAT college entrance exams, graduation rates, and plans for secondary schooling, AIM participating upper classmen increased their performance significantly. The 2007-2008 performance outcomes indicate that 68% of AIM juniors participated in the SAT's; 98% of AIM seniors graduated (increasing 3% from last year's 95% of AIM senior graduates), and 78% of the graduating student athletes went on to enroll in college. AIM's high success rate with college prep for its juniors and seniors is set amidst the New York City public school system, where there is a 45.2% graduation rate- the fifth lowest among the 50 largest districts in the country.

"We are proud to be involved with a program like Academics In Motion that has such a profound impact on New York City youth," said Al Petitpas, Director of Springfield College Center for Youth Development and Research. "Our evaluation and research data shows that AIM's model of youth development works. With the right guidance, sports participation can promote academic achievement, build essential life skills, and prepare young people to become productive adults."

In addition, in the 2007-2008 academic year AIM students performed numerous community engagement projects for a total of 1446 hours of service to their communities. The student athletes also participated in over 60 additional activities designed to encourage community interaction and life lessons.

In 2008-2009, AIM plans to expand its reach to 20 high schools throughout New York City, increasing its student base to over 2,000.