Life is a process, a process that has an end. It can end at any hour, any minute, any second. So, enjoy life while you have it. Not many people can do that. Don't stay stuck at home. Go places! Please, open your eyes to a reality beyond your street. Challenge yourself! Because the real world isn't about chance. It's your life. Take my advice. I may be small but don't let your life end for nothing. Do something to bring joy and happiness. Because that is success, and in the future that's my reality. What will yours be?
The America SCORES Board of Directors and National Staff are pleased to announce the appointment of Norma Barquet as our Chief Executive Officer.
Barquet comes to America SCORES with a demonstrated commitment to children and families, especially those from underserved communities.She held the position of Executive Vice President at Girl Scouts of the USA and served on its National Board. In her role at Girl Scouts of the USA, Barquet developed the organization’s Mission to Market division focused on delivering high quality programs and services to its affiliates.
Previously, she oversaw the operation of 26 schools as Executive Director with Detroit Public Schools and was Associate Director of Programs for Educational Opportunity at the University of Michigan – a regional equity center serving school districts in the six Great Lake states.
“Norma is a transformational leader,” said Fred Popp, Chairman of America SCORES’ Board of Directors. “Her experience and the clear passion she brings to the mission of America SCORES provides the foundation to increase the reach and impact of our programs, stirring the imagination and call-to-service within America’s urban youth.”
“During tough economic times, the first programs to be cut in urban school districts are sports and the arts.America SCORES is filling that gap by providing high quality after-school programs such as soccer, creative writing and service learning to urban children,” stated Barquet. “I know first-hand the impact of after-school programs such as those offered by America SCORES and am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this great organization and reach more children in more cities throughout the US.”
As she assumes her new leadership role, Barquet’s priorities are to improve the organization’s infrastructure, leverage emerging technology, develop national partnerships and increase funding.
America SCORES’ former CEO, Paul Caccamo will direct Up2Us, a national coalition of youth sports organizations that was cultivated and spun off from America SCORES.
Today, Michelle Obama launched the 'Let's Move' campaign, a truly historic initiative to unite teachers, schools, community leaders and nonprofit organizations around the country in a consolidated effort to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity within the next generation.
Calling obesity "one of the most urgent health issues that we face in this country," the White House announced a new federal task force charged with tackling the issue and coordinating efforts between the federal government and the private and non-profit sectors. Thanks to our comprehensive soccer, health, and nutrition curriculum, America SCORES has been a leader in combating youth obesity since 1994. Students in our programs consistently show increases in physical fitness and reduced body mass index (BMI) scores.
We applaud the First Lady and the White House for taking on this crucial need on behalf of America's youth. We will keep our America SCORES network posted on news and updates from this exciting initiative.
We are also actively seeking ways to support this movement, so if you know of any opportunities for America SCORES to get more involved, please contact Cal Zarin, America SCORES Director of Communications.
For quarterly updates on the latest news and trends in childhood obesity, click here to sign up for our e-newsletter.To learn about how America SCORES uses soccer and poetry to fight obesity, click here.A recent study, published in the Journal of Child Health Care shows how America SCORES has been effectively fighting the childhood obesity epidemic through soccer.
America SCORES inspires urban youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world.
Our Vision
America SCORES envisions a world where all youth find their voice, achieve their goals, and unleash their full potential.
Our Unique Approach
America SCORES partners with urban schools to provide a high quality, team-based program that integrates soccer, poetry and service-learning. Our innovative approach improves students’ health, academic achievement and civic engagement.
