Over the past two months, students from Syracuse University’s Falk College, under the guidance of Sport Management Assistant Teaching Professor Alexia Lopes, Ph.D., collaborated with the Integrated Community Alternatives Network (ICAN) to host a campus visit for middle and high school students from the Utica City School District. The April 18 event aimed to introduce higher education as a future path, while also showcasing the programs in Falk College.
A panel of Syracuse University student-athletes shared insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with aying sports at the collegiate level (both club and NCAA). The event emphasized experiential learning through the lens of sport for development, highlighting the potential of sport to drive positive social change and empower youth in the local community.
ICAN, a non-profit organization based in Utica, provides an array of support services to meet the needs of Utica City School District students. Services include a comprehensive program providing behavioral and mental health support within special education classroom settings.
More than 25 Utica students took part in the event, where they enjoyed lunch, games, and tours across campus, and even had a photo opportunity with Otto the Orange.
Sport management majors Cooper Feldstein and James Taite co-led the class project.
“We spent months working with Dr. Lopes to make this event a success,” Feldstein said. “I’m also incredibly thankful for (ICAN Director) Jesenia Wright for her inspiring work and tireless effort in bringing this vision to life. This event was so special, and I’m excited to see how this partnership grows in the future.”