About Us
Mission Statement
A-Chance-2-Play provides opportunities through scholarships to fund extracurricular activities for children with financial barriers.
AC2P Story
Established in 2012, A-Chance-2-Play is a labor of love of the game. The organization was founded by Coach Gary Gregory initially to help high school players participate in pay to play high school sports. As the organization has matured, AC2P determined there was a larger need for all youth to be able to participate not only in sports but also in the arts, various lessons, and clubs. In addition, financial support for tutoring is available. AC2P exists to provide opportunities to develop well-rounded young people through financial support for athletics, arts, and tutoring.
The Need for Financial Support
One in four Arizona children live in Poverty. Children are living in poverty if their household pre-tax income is less than the federal poverty threshold that varies by family size and composition. In 2018, the poverty threshold for a family of 4 with two children under 18 was $25,465. Families in the U.S. spend on average $693 annually per child in one sport.
The Benefits of Extracurricular Activities
Report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that children tend to have higher levels of school engagement when involved in one or more activities, like sports, lessons, or clubs. The report found that 42% of children who took lessons were highly engaged compared to 33% of children who did not. Youth consistently involved in extracurriculars are 400% more likely to go to college than kids who cannot access these programs.
Learning beyond the school and school day has enormous benefit for youth not only in engagement in the classroom but also helping youth realize their FULL potential.
- Physical and Mental Health Benefits: Self Confidence, Social Opportunities, Reducing Stress
- "Real World" Skills: Goal Setting, Teamwork, Time Management, Prioritization, Problem Solving, Leadership