CREW LIFE ANNUAL PROGRAMS
What we offer at Crew Life
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CREW Life provides transformative college tours for 150 disadvantaged students from Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and East Chicago, Indiana. These students often come from single-parent homes or families with parents working multiple jobs. Our mission is to bridge the gap by exposing them to educational opportunities and career paths beyond high school.
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Tour Itinerary
Engineering Labs & Workshops at Purdue University
Students start their day at Purdue University, exploring diverse career paths through hands-on experiences in engineering labs and workshops. This interactive session allows them to discover potential future fields of study, particularly in engineering and technology.
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Mackey Arena Tour at Purdue University
Next, the group visits Mackey Arena at Purdue University to tour the basketball facilities, watch a practice session, and enjoy lunch while meeting the players and coaches. This immersive experience gives them a glimpse into the life of a college student-athlete.
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Campus Tour at Purdue & DePaul Universites
Following the arena tour, students will participate in a comprehensive campus tour at DePaul University. They will explore key academic buildings, student centers, and recreational facilities. Current college students will guide this tour, sharing their experiences and insights about campus life, academic expectations, and the support systems available at DePaul.
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Tailgating & Campus Life
After the campus tour, students will join alumni and fans for a tailgating event, providing them with the opportunity to network, learn about college traditions, and envision themselves as part of the campus community.
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Football Game
The tour culminates in attending an evening football game, capping off the day with an exciting and memorable event.
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Objectives
The primary goals of the CREW Life College Tour are:
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Exposure to Higher Education: Introduce students to various post-secondary options, including universities, trade schools, and the military.
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Goal Setting: Empower students to set personal and academic goals for their future.
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Mentorship: Provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the students' high school journeys.
Impact and Expansion
By offering this immersive college tour, CREW Life aims to inspire and motivate disadvantaged students to pursue their aspirations. The organization hopes to expand the program to reach more students in the years to come, transforming lives and opening doors to higher education.
CREW LIFE BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE
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Every fall, CREW Life proudly hosts its annual Backpack Drive, providing 500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in the Fort Wayne, East Chicago, and Indianapolis, Indiana areas.
In addition to the backpacks, we are thrilled to partner with Smooth Kutz Barbershop in Fort Wayne, IN, to offer free back-to-school haircuts. This barbershop holds a special place in our hearts; it was formerly owned by a mentor of our founder, Rapheal, who had a profound impact on the community during his 30 years of service.
To honor his legacy, we continue this initiative in his memory, highlighting his dedication to uplifting the youth and enriching their educational experiences.
CREW Life Youth Sports Camps & Leagues
CREW Life organizes 12-15 sports camps each year across Indiana, Illinois, and Georgia. We offer a variety of sports, including basketball, gymnastics, football, and cheerleading, as well as a youth track program. Our primary objective is to provide outstanding instruction while focusing on building essential life skills such as discipline, hard work, mental toughness, listening skills, teamwork, and time management within our campers.
Youth Programs
In addition to our sports camps, CREW Life facilitates various youth programs for children aged 6 to 18, including:
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Spring and Fall Youth Flag Football Leagues
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Year-Round Youth Basketball Leagues
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7v7 Football Program
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Youth Track Program
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Late Night Basketball Program designed to combat youth violence
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Weekly Basketball Skills Lessons
Program Features
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Each camp includes a guest speaker representing a professional career path, inspiring participants and showcasing life beyond sports.
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We strive to foster an environment where young athletes not only improve physical skills but also develop character and resilience.
Scholarship Fund
To support families in need, we have established a scholarship fund for those who meet the following criteria:
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Eligible for free or reduced school lunch
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Reside in an at-risk zip code
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Have single and/or incarcerated parents
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CREW Life High School Internship Program
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The Crew Life Youth Internship Program is a unique initiative aimed at empowering high school students who aspire to pursue careers in sports media and related fields. Sponsored by Crew Life Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring youth through basketball and education, this program provides participants with real-world experience while instilling valuable life skills.
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Objectives
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Career Exploration: Introduce interns to diverse career paths within sports media, such as coaching, refereeing, marketing, photography, videography, social media management, physical therapy, and operations.
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Hands-On Experience: Engage interns in Crew Life events to work alongside professionals, gain practical skills, and understand the intricacies of various roles in the sports industry.
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Financial Literacy: Equip participants with essential financial knowledge through a mandatory course, preparing them for future financial independence and responsibility.
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Mentorship and Guidance: Foster an environment of support through Crew Life's extensive network of professionals and community leaders, providing guidance and networking opportunities.
Program Details
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Eligibility: Open to high school students passionate about sports and interested in exploring career avenues beyond athletics.
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Duration: Internships run throughout the academic year, with opportunities for summer placements as well.
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Compensation: Interns receive a minimum hourly wage, allowing them to earn while they learn and gain valuable work experience.
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Commitment: Participation in weekly meetings is mandatory, along with involvement in Crew Life events and activities.
Activities
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Event Participation: Assist in executing Crew Life events to gain firsthand experience in event planning, logistics, and operations.
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Weekly Meetings: Regular meetings provide insights from industry professionals, career development discussions, and community-building activities.
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Financial Literacy Course: A comprehensive course designed to educate interns on budgeting, saving, and financial management.
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Career Development Field Trip: Interns will visit the Big Ten Network and Big Ten Conference headquarters in Chicago, where they will learn about various careers in the sports industry—from roles on camera to positions behind the scenes, including TV executives, conference administrators, marketers, and social media directors. This immersive experience offers valuable insights and networking opportunities within a leading sports organization.
Impact
The Crew Life Youth Internship Program seeks to develop the whole person—fostering athletic skills alongside essential life skills, character development, and leadership qualities. By empowering youth through mentorship and career exposure, we aim to create a positive ripple effect within the communities we serve.
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Conclusion
Join us in shaping the future of the next generation of sports media professionals. Through this internship program, the Crew Life Foundation embodies its core pillars of Community, Responsibility, Education, and Will, ensuring that each participant emerges as an experienced intern and a committed community member ready to make a difference.