SBU Student-Athletes Inspire LILTA Students

For the eighth year, middle and high school students participating in the Long Island Latino Teachers Association (LILTA) Summer Programs returned to Stony Brook University's campus, meeting with student-athletes who offered inspiration and motivation to pursue a college education.

More than 30 students from Nassau and Suffolk Counties took part in the summer program, which was coordinated through the Stony Brook University and Medicine Community Relations Office and is part of a longstanding partnership between the office and LILTA, a not-for-profit organization that works to increase graduation rates and encourage higher education enrollment and retention among Long Island students.

"We always look forward to having LILTA middle and high school students visit Stony Brook, and hope that they'll return to campus as Seawolves in the future," said Assistant Vice President for University and Medicine Community Relations Heather Banoub.

On July 11, high school students participating in LILTA's Young Women's Summer Institute met with Arnika Edwards, assistant athletic director for student career and leadership development, who provided the students with a tour of the athletic facilities. The students then met with the women's volleyball team for a Q&A about their journeys to college and lives as Division I student-athletes.

On July 25, middle school students participating in the Matthew Moore Summer Youth Program visited the Island Federal Credit Union Arena, where they met with men's and women's basketball players and coaches. In addition to a Q&A session, the student-athletes helped the middle schoolers perfect their basketball skills and taught them some new tricks. The middle school program is named in honor of a former Stony Brook employee and LILTA vice president.

During tours led by Stony Brook Admissions tour guides, both groups explored Stony Brook's campus and learned about college majors and student life. The students were treated to lunch on campus and participated in team-building activities led by Community Relations Representative Erika Karp.