TROY, N.Y. – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Athletics and the National Grid Foundation invited local children from the Troy City School District, Boys and Girls Club of Troy and the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club to participate in “Shoot for the Stars.” This program is designed to motivate students to improve their academic performance, attendance and school behavior. “Shoot for the Stars” rewards students and a guest with tickets to select Rensselaer Division I men’s and women’s ice hockey games.
During the men’s Division I hockey game on Friday, November 10, 2017, deserving school students will be highlighted in a pre-game on-ice ceremonial puck-drop presentation. Executive Director of the National Grid Foundation, Mr. Ed White; Rensselaer County Executive, The Honorable Kathleen M. Jimino; Troy Mayor, The Honorable Patrick Madden; Rensselaer’s Athletic Director, Dr. Lee McElroy and Rensselaer’s Senior Advancement Officer of Foundation Relations, Mrs. Deborah Chesky; will also participate in the on-ice presentation.
The “Shoot for the Stars” program began at Rensselaer in January, 2014 with children from the Troy City School District. Since the program’s inception, thousands of children have participated.
Rensselaer and National Grid Foundation have partnered to implement the program; the Foundation is supporting the program this year with a $15,000 investment.
As role models to the young people in the community, Rensselaer scholar-athletes act as mentors to the program participants. Having role models such as Rensselaer hockey players is one way to promote the increased participation and interest of young students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields and sports.
“Shoot for the Stars” is the latest in a series of National Grid Foundation programs, which includes the successful “Hoops for the Stars” program at Siena College, Syracuse University, the University at Buffalo, Providence College and the University of Rhode Island that provide tickets to men’s and women’s basketball games to middle school students for their academic achievements.
“The National Grid Foundation is pleased to again team up with Rensselaer on the Shoot for the Stars program. The addition of our Rising Stars program component, which recognizes the most exceptional young students in each grade, will stimulate even greater performance in the classroom. This addition, along with inspiration from Rensselaer’s exceptional scholar-athletes, and the reward of a Rensselaer hockey game, will benefit the students of the Greater Troy area immensely,” said Ed White, Executive Director of the National Grid Foundation.
“Helping our youth achieve success through positive reinforcement is an excellent way to help them reach their goals and strive for even greater accomplishments. I want to commend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and National Grid Foundation for spearheading this program and their ongoing commitment to the children of our communities,” stated Rensselaer County Executive, Kathleen M. Jimino.
About National Grid Foundation
The National Grid Foundation was created to enhance the quality of life across its grant making territory. The Foundation’s ongoing challenge is to create opportunities for solutions to educational and environmental issues. Its objective is based on the principle that giving people the tools to build hope is an essential ingredient in the development of individuals, families and communities. Since its inception in December of 1998, the Foundation has provided over $20 million in grants to organizations across New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1824, is America’s first technological research university. For nearly 200 years, Rensselaer has been defining the scientific and technological advances of our world. Rensselaer faculty and alumni represent 85 members of the National Academy of Engineering, 17 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 25 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 8 members of the National Academy of Medicine, 8 members of the National Academy of Inventors, and 5 members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, as well as 6 National Medal of Technology winners, 5 National Medal of Science winners, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With 7,000 students and nearly 100,000 living alumni, Rensselaer is addressing the global challenges facing the 21st century—to change lives, to advance society, and to change the world. To learn more, go to www.rpi.edu.
