Abstract
A growing divide in physical activity amongst youth, fueled by the privatization of youth athletic programs, most negatively impacts underrepresented students. Intramural-sports programs hold the potential to engage more of our youth in physical activity, including those from marginalized populations. Utilizing a collective impact approach, school-community partnerships can create opportunities for access and strive toward equity in youth health. This study evaluates a partnership between a school district and a regional health care provider that resulted in the creation of a youth intramural-sports program by describing the partnership’s implementation strategies and by comparing first year enrollment data. Implementation strategies include: (1) a phased implementation that prioritized schools with the highest ratios of underrepresented students, (2) purposeful and coordinated communication strategies, and (3) utilization of a process evaluation during the first year of implementation. A comparison between program enrollment (n = 695) to grade level enrollment by school and across the district (N = 1873) revealed that the program achieved its goal of expanding access to physical activity for youth from income-constrained households and students of color (SOC). Implications include strategies for youth intramural program development and school-community partnership that support youth development by increasing equitable access to physical activity.
Recommended Citation
Anthes, Joseph
(2025)
"Closing the Youth Activity Gap Through School District–Community Partnerships,"
Journal of Youth Development: Vol. 20:
Iss.
3, Article 11.
Available at:
https://open.clemson.edu/jyd/vol20/iss3/11
Included in
Child Psychology Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Community-Based Learning Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Leadership Studies Commons
