Burns Elementary is a Title I school that serves students who live in extreme poverty. Title 1 is defined as at least 40% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. More than 97% of the students enrolled in our programs are economically disadvantaged and live well below the federal poverty line. The majority of our students come from single parent households and live in poor, deteriorated housing. Overall, our students face a tremendous amount of challenges and have needs that cannot always be met by family members and the school district.

Lacrosse has historically been reserved for upper class, suburban communities. Children in low-income areas and the inner city lack exposure to lacrosse due to cultural barriers, a lack of playing fields and the cost of equipment. The result has been that children who can benefit from lacrosse are unable to take advantage of the unique opportunities the sport offers. We recognized the opportunity to achieve a more profound impact on urban youth by allowing participants to achieve success both on and off the field. Lacrosse offers students the discipline, work ethic and leadership skills necessary to achieve success both in the classroom and on the field. 

Over the past 10 months we have actively been collecting used lacrosse equipment to start a youth boys and girls lacrosse team at Burns Elementary. We are having a hard time finding donors for lacrosse helmets for the boys and lacrosse sticks and eye protection for the girls. With the $2,000 we will be purchasing several boys helmets ($100 each) and girls sets of equipment ($100 each) based on needs at the time of funding approval. After fulfilling our equipment needs, we will host an 8 week fall and 8 week spring season and compete in a local spring lacrosse season. Each participant will have access to certified teachers for tutoring and experience coaches for lacrosse instruction. 

Thank you for your generosity! We look forward to serving the youth in Charleston and providing new opportunities!

Back Up Plan