The Vision

Our programs use peer education to prevent HIV/AIDS in Washington, D.C. by recognizing the enormous potential of student athletes to serve as role models to local youth and by utilizing an interactive, engaging curriculum that targets middle school aged students. By engaging this age group, The Grassroot Project hopes to provide guidance and positive influence in what can be seen as a transitional period during which lifestyle choices begin to solidify. The curriculum of The Grassroot Project seeks to create a lasting impression through its unique approach and to develop the life skills and attitudes of young teens so that they can live healthy lives.

The goal of The Grassroot Project is to reach all at-risk youth in Washington D.C. by engaging athletes at the other NCAA Division I institutions in the D.C. metropolitan area by the 2012. During the next year, we will conduct meetings with students and administrators at American University and the University of Maryland, with the hope of creating teams of Grassroot Eagles and Grassroot Terps, respectively, all under The Grassroot Project umbrella.

Besides engaging student athletes from D-I universities in the D.C area, The Grassroot Project also seeks to involve high school students in the program. These students, selected for both their athletic and academic accomplishments, would join the Grassroot Project team in implementing the HIV/AIDS prevention curriculum in our programs. The inclusion of high school athletes will help to construct local capacity around this project to both build and sustain community rapport.

Sports for Social Change

Our curriculum is structured to address the prevention of HIV/AIDS through an interactive curriculum of over 15 games and activities that encourage participatory learning of issues such as basic HIV prevention information, stigma, and discrimination. Kids play games they enjoy while learning and interacting with positive role models who can help them develop a love of learning and playing, as well as attitudes and skills to live healthy, positive, and HIV-free lives. Student athletes take on leadership roles and become knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS in general and, specifically, in Washington D.C. As a result of this experience, they continue to develop as socially conscious citizens and future leaders.

Athletes as Coaches

The Grassroot Project provides a unique opportunity for Division I college athletes to become engaged in their local community. By virtue of becoming a successful college athlete, these students have acquired the ability to manage their time to balance school and sports, set and achieve goals, learn how to work in a team environment, and overcome adversity. The Grassroot Project seeks to utilize the skills and passions of student athletes to create a positive influence in the local community.

Pilot Program: GrassrootHoyas

GrassrootHoyas was the first initiative within The Grassroot Project in 2009. Click here to learn more about this pilot program.