PROGRAM HISTORY

The National Youth Sports Program

In 1969, the federal government committed funds to establish programs for economically disadvantaged youth called the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP).

Our Beginning

2000

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi became one of over 200 colleges and universities across the country hosting NYSP.  Our 25 day program enrolled over 350 students each year.

Sylvio O. Conte Award of Excellence

2005

Each NYSP institution must meet a rigorous list of checks and balances in order to host the program on their campus. At the end of each summer, NYSP and its directors would recognize one institution throughout the country that best exemplifies the NYSP mission. In 2005, our program at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi won the Sylvio O. Conte Award of Excellence for being one of the top programs in the country.

Rough Times

2007-2013

In 2007 our program was no longer federally funded, resulting in the end of NYSP. Between 2007 and 2013 the program remained operational through the help of community donations. Even without federal funding, this program hosted 100 students and operated for 15 days each year.

FOCUS Foundation

2014-2022

In 2014 The FOCUS Foundation along with The Kinesiology Department at TAMU-CC combined their efforts to continue this award-winning program in our community. This partnership was the start of the Summer Sports and Wellness Program. Enrollment increased to 125 students and we operated between 18-20 days each summer. Occasionally, students were able to attend an out-of-town trip to visit The Houston Space Center (NASA) and The Houston Astros.

A New Start… A Brighter Future!

Although we are no longer a “national” program, the mission remains the same, that is, to provide children with “The Right Start.”

The Right Start remains a division of the FOCUS Foundation. (For Our Children’s Ultimate Success)

In 2023, we expanded our program to Texas A&M University – Kingsville. Although the format of the program remained the same, through the help of the TAMUK – Kinesiology Department, they offered services/opportunities that is unique to their campus.

Our Former Participants

Meet Miguel

From being an NYSP participant in the early 2000’s to returning to our program and helping the next generation of children, this is “Miguel’s Story.”

“When I grow up, I am going to college here!”

Edward, Current participant

“Every year I come to camp, it feels like I am coming home to family.”

Nick, Former participant

“I’m currently attending college to be a nutritionist.  It was at summer camp where I first had the thought of wanting to help myself and others improve their diet.”

Danielle M., Former participant

I Love Camp!  This is where I learned how to swim.

Daniel R., Current participant