Athletes in Schools
The Rose Bowl Institute champions sportsmanship, leadership, and citizenship.
OVERVIEW
The Rose Bowl Institute champions sportsmanship, leadership, and citizenship. Through educational programs, engaging discussions, and recognition awards, the Institute harnesses the power of sports to unite people around positive values and bridge civic differences.
The Need for Civic Literacy
There is a growing recognition of the need for enhanced civic literacy in junior high and high schools across the United States. In response, the Rose Bowl Institute sends athletes into schools to inspire students to view sportsmanship as a vital component of active citizenship.
Our goal is to broaden the reach of this initiative, engaging more students and communities nationwide. We aim to strengthen the impact of our programs and inspire young people to embrace positive values and active participation in their communities.
Sportsmanship Citizenship
Appreciation of the game Understanding the democratic process
Fair play in sports Following the rule of law
Respect for one’s opponent Respect for the “other” in politics
Teamwork Collaboration for collective action where needed
Personal integrity Personal accountability
In partnership with the National Constitution Center, the Rose Bowl Institute (RBi) develops talking points for athletes that connect sportsmanship directly with citizenship. We also provide follow-up materials for teachers and students. Through additional partnerships in development, RBi aims to align existing "athletes in schools" initiatives with civic literacy.
Our Approach
Inspires Students: By facilitating athlete presentations in schools, we emphasize sportsmanship as a form of citizenship. In an age where attention is scarce and information overload is prevalent, athletes serve as relatable figures who can effectively capture young people's interest, providing a counter-narrative to the negativity often found in media. Their respect and influence allow them to convey important messages.
Educate On Civic Literacy: By engaging students through athlete-led discussions, we draw on the resources developed in collaboration with the National Constitution Center, enhancing their understanding of civic principles.
Empower Students: Students are provided with materials developed with the National Constitution Center, including access to the NCC’s Interactive Constitution, encouraging them to explore civic engagement further.
The goal of this program is to inspire American youth to become responsible citizens both on the field and in their communities.
Have Us Come to Your School
Interested in learning more about having the Athletes In Schools program come to your school? Contact us today.
Schools We've Visited
Fall 2025: Upper Arlington Schools Columbus Ohio - Ryan Miller
Fall 2025: Mountain View Football and Flag Football Teams
Fall 2025: Pasadena High School, Pasadena, CA - Shawna Gordon
Fall 2025: Fannie C. Williams High School, New Orleans, - Jeremiah Brown
Fall 2025: John Muir High School, Sport Management Program, Pasadena, CA - James Washington
Fall 2025: John Jay Campus, Football Program, Brooklyn NY - Jeremiah Brown
Spring 2025: South El Monte High School Football Team
Spring 2025: Arcadia High School Football Team
Spring 2025: Spring 2025 : Henry D. Wise Athletes in Schools - Maryland - Jeremiah Brown
Spring 2025: Spring 2025: Leo High School - Chicago - Tori Franklin
Fall 2024: DBA - Washington DC - James Washington
Fall 2024: Seattle - James Washington
Spring 2024 (PUSD): Rose City High School - James Washington
Spring 2024 (PUSD): John Muir High School Football Team - James Washington
Spring 2024 (PUSD): Pasadena High School - James Washington
Spring 2024 (PUSD): Marshall High School - James Washington
Fall 2023: LA Jordan High School - James Washington
Spring 2023 (PUSD): John Muir High School - Anita Alvarez
Spring 2023 (PUSD): Pasadena High School - Cody Jones
Spring 2023 (PUSD): Marshall High School - John Naber
2nd & 7 Foundation
Powerful Partnership
Mission Statement: The mission of 2nd & 7 is to promote reading by providing free books and positive role models to kids in need while encouraging young athletes of the community to pay it forward.
Serving since 1999: 2nd & 7 was started over 25 years ago by three former Ohio State football players Mike Vrabel, Luke Fickell, and Ryan Miller.
Highlights: 2nd & 7 has distributed nearly one million books in our reading program since 1999. While our roots and our office are in central Ohio, we are proud to say we now have nearly 170 programs in 26 states implementing our TACKLING ILLITERACY Reading Program. That means high school and college student-athletes across the country are reading to the 2nd grades in their communities, serving as positive reading role models and providing the children with free books to keep.
Visit the 2nd & 7 Website