Transforming lives through lacrosse in the Bronx

With the support of the New York Life Foundation’s Aim High grant, Bronx Lacrosse is helping young people in New York unlock their full potential through sports. We spoke with Chief Program Officer Chrissy Young to learn more about how the program is supporting academic success, fostering skill-building, building community, and opening doors for young people in New York. Bronx Lacrosse was one of the 40 grantees of the 2022 Aim High awards program. Aim High grants are awarded to afterschool, summer, or expanded learning programs that help economically disadvantaged middle school students successfully transition to high school.

Tell us a little bit about Bronx Lacrosse.

Why lacrosse? 

Even though the Haudenosaunee invented lacrosse almost a thousand years ago, it is currently a sport with little diversity. Bronx Lacrosse is working to change that. Such a fast-paced and physical sport is fun for kids, but it also opens doors that other more traditional sports do not. In fact, high school lacrosse players are over three times more likely than basketball players to leverage their athleticism as a gateway to college and the National Collegiate Athletics Association. Our middle and high school student-athletes use lacrosse as a pathway to competitive high schools and four-year colleges. 

How did Aim High support make a difference in your program? What’s something exciting you’ve been able to do in the past year with Aim High funding?

With Aim High’s support, Bronx Lacrosse has brought our Algebra-Readiness Tutoring program to the next level. In the 2022-2023 school year, 86% of middle and high school students enrolled in tutoring for at least one year passed the New York State Algebra Regents Exam. This is particularly impressive given that only 46% of students in the same school district passed the exam. This helps students stay on track for on-time high school graduation and post-secondary success.

We’ve also strengthened our High School Application Support Program to help ease the transition from 8th to 9th grade. With Aim High’s support, Bronx Lacrosse is able to ensure that every 8th-grade participant and their family receives individualized support throughout New York City’s complicated high school application process. Last year, 100% of Bronx Lacrosse 8th graders were admitted to top-tier high schools with graduation rates over 85%. This is a game-changer for students, considering that less than 70% of adults in our community hold a high school diploma. 

How are you leveraging lacrosse as a way to build social-emotional and life skills (such as leadership, teamwork, confidence, and self-regulation)? 

Our student-athletes know their teammates are counting on them to show up to practice, work hard, and maintain a positive attitude, even when things get tough. That camaraderie and the high expectations we maintain encourage kids to be great teammates, strong leaders, and excellent members of the community. Bronx Lacrosse kids achieve higher grades, maintain better school attendance, and experience fewer disciplinary incidents at school than their peers. 

What has been a proud moment in your program? How has lacrosse positively impacted a young person’s academic or personal development?

We’re most proud when we see our mission fulfilled through our student-athletes. As our program ages and our students apply to college, we see the real-life impact of our work. Currently, 100% of our 2023 seniors are enrolled in college, and 100% of our 2024 seniors have completed the FAFSA and been admitted to four-year colleges for the fall semester. The vast majority of our kids are first-generation college students and seeing their pride—and the pride of their families—as they enroll in college is an incredible feeling. In 2023, participant Bryce Hall-Knight’s incredible dedication to lacrosse and academics earned him admission to Tufts University and a place on their lacrosse team.

What are specific skills or lessons that your program participants learn through Bronx Lacrosse that they might not get in a traditional classroom setting?

Bronx Lacrosse is a family. Our student-athletes spend 10 to 15 hours a week together year-round and learn to support each other when faced with difficult losses on the field or frustrating moments in the classroom. Being a part of a team—a part of something bigger than yourself—gives all of us a sense of purpose and belonging. This is most obvious at our annual three-night Adirondack Camp. Students rally behind each other as they overcome fears and tackle new challenges, like a ropes course in the trees, kayaking, and hiking. 

Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives within your program that you’re particularly excited about? 

We’re bringing Bronx Lacrosse to more students than ever next year. We’re partnering with a new middle school and a new high school to serve over 300 student-athletes in the Bronx. 

The 2025 application period for the Aim High grants is currently open through March 7, 2025. Learn more about the New York Life Foundation's Aim High grants and apply online.