NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Nashville organization is helping inner city at-risk youth focus on education and life lessons through the program Backfield in Motion.
The non-profit steers young men in middle and high school to earn a high school diploma, professional on-job skills, all while using athletics as an incentive for academic improvement.
"We don't just push them to be educated on the academic side but just be educated about life. Try to be as diverse of a person as you can because you never know where it can take you," part-time instructor Ro Coleman said.
The program started 20 years ago to provide a way for inner-city youth to have the same kinds of opportunities as those in more affluent areas.
Vice President Micah Kimble said some of the kids who first started in the program now volunteer to help current students.
"They've had so many doors opened to them and they've made so many friends and life-long partners through this program. I'm a firm believer in this program," Kimble said.
The organization, currently in its summer program, is free and is taking applications for the fall.
