Rice Athletes Helping At-Risk Kids

No, this is not about the Texans exactly. But dare I say, it may be more important.

Rice is hosting a program, the Youth Impact Program, for at-risk sixth and seventh grade kids that has them study everything from English to math to anger management. The kids have potential - they have to be recommended by their guidance counselors - but they are low income kids whose parents aren't college grads. And these kids work hard for the five week program. Studying every morning and afternoon, listening to guest speakers, plus playing football.

The program is free, in large part because of the support from the NFL, the NFLPA, and the Saints (there's a program at Tulane that's been running for a couple years). This is the first year at Rice so support from the Texans isn't there yet, but it'd be great to have the fans' support.

Day 1 at Rice is actually today, so the kids are just getting a feel for the place now.

In case you were wondering, Rice University players helping out include Jake Hicks, Chris Jones, Taylor Dupree, Chance Talbert, Brian Raines, Chris Ptaszek, Ja' Corey Shepherd, Vernon James, Maya Kirk, Kiri Kendall, Tyler Parish, Denzel Wells and Kara Lawrence.

Also - here's a video from last year

USC Youth Impact Program (via YouthImpactProg)