Donations

As of the 2010 census, 144,229 people were living in Bridgeport, CT. The racial makeup of the city residents was 39.6% White; 34.6% Black or African American; 3.4% Asian; and 4.3% from two or more races. A total of 38.2% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 50,307 households, out of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.0% were married couples living together, 24.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. In addition, 29.0% of all households were individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70, and the average family size was 3.34.

Participation in youth sports and academic activities can have a positive, lasting impact on a child's general mental and physical well-being. Unfortunately, some youth populations are unable to participate and/or reap the benefits of these activities because of existing inequities. Youth from lower socioeconomic status and ethnic minority children have been found to participate in sports less.

These disparities are unfortunately pervasive and likely the result of multiple barriers, including financial and time constraints, limited resources and the inability to access facilities both in and out of school, and lack of familial support. There also exist inequities with regard to sports injury management, including knowledge, access to athletic trainers, and care.

In all income levels, the top two benefits of sports were the same: having fun and being physically active. Sports as a means of keeping children out of trouble was very important for 64% of low-income parents as compared to 40% of high-income parents. Obtaining a college athletic scholarship was very important for 26% of low-income parents, as compared to 8% of high-income parents. Relative rankings of potential costs were similar by income level, with risk of concussion and other injury and the impact of sports on schoolwork prioritized across levels.

Academic programs can improve the lives of local youth (both short- and long-term) through education, practice, and study. We support students in several training endeavours, whether they want to take the path towards college or a trade. Students from lower-income communities often have less academic opportunities, often due to financial and time constraints, limited resources or access to facilities, or lack of familial support. Through academic support, we aim to provide students with the opportunities to reach full potential.