Purpose2Play and the TJ Ward Foundation are pleased to announce its partnership with ESPN reporter and eight-time national Sports Emmy winning journalist, Jeremy Schaap, to offer a unique sports journalism course to disadvantaged youth in New York City this fall called the On Deck Sports Journalism Program.
Purpose2Play founder and editor-in-chief Kim Constantinesco and Schaap will expose high school students in Manhattan to 20 hours of an all-encompassing sports media experience.
Students will receive instruction from media professionals from ESPN, MLB.com, and Purpose2Play.com. They will also have the opportunity to conduct face-to-face interviews with professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, and more. The stories that students compose will be published right here with their first bylines.
Purpose2Play’s On Deck Sports Journalism Program was launched in the spring of 2015 with the help of the T.J. Ward Foundation and the Denver Broncos Boys and Girls Club [VIDEO].
“Many young people dream of becoming athletes, but few dream of becoming the journalists that cover them. On Deck is an opportunity for youth to see how they can contribute to the sports world in a meaningful way without actually stepping onto the court of field. This program is a vehicle for students to tap into their undiscovered talents, find their voice, make better choices, and start thinking about their futures. For these students, many of whom have been born into unfavorable circumstances, this is a ‘safe’ springboard into taking on some real world responsibilities.” – Kim Constantinesco, P2P founder and On Deck Creator
“I’m looking forward to spending time with the students in the program. I hope that we can create a foundation of success for them in the field of journalism. The field needs talented newcomers as much as they might need journalism.” – Jeremy Schaap, ESPN reporter
“I value all my blessings. I saw a lot of that same appreciation in the eyes of the kids from Boys & Girls Club. Kim did a great job with the kids and I hope I can continue to inspire more kids to use their abilities to create blessings for themselves.” – T.J. Ward, Denver Broncos safety
