The MBK-Ithaca Strategic Plan includes goals to develop the following elements:
1) Late-night programming
2) Out of town trips
3) Development of a sports/community complex for teens
4) Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) programs targeted for college admissions
5) Summer Program
6) College Life Experience
Recreational
Late-Night Programming
Developing programming that includes several different outlets that would occur on Friday and Saturday nights. Examples include: late night open gym, movie nights, social events, drama and arts.
Out-of-Town Trips
- Monthly trips that occur a minimum of an hour away from Ithaca
- Quarterly big trips – overnights or bus trips to games, amusement parks, other community center events
- Leadership/Empowerment Conferences – twice annually
Sports Complex
- A complex that will include several basketball courts, turf fields, dance studio, meeting space, arcade and teen-run café.
- There are several models that have been developed that could be duplicated and upgraded for Ithaca
- This would also serve as the Community Teen hub.
Programming
AAU Programs for College Admission
- There are several sports that could be developed, from basketball to jump rope.
- Affordability important for low income families
- Present a “what next” element – COLLEGE
- A “college connector” is required because children of color are not being recruited through high school coaching staff.
Robust Summer Program
- Financial support for RRBL and the creation of a league for teen girls
- Summer outing events –
- Opportunities for larger evening activities outside of basketball
College Life Experience
Arranging visits for youth onto college campuses for weekend, school, or summer break visits.