TRENTON – Aiming to improve equity and access to sports, the Senate Education Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senators Troy Singleton and James Beach that would establish the “Sports Equipment Equity Pilot Program”.
“In a time of increasing isolation and rates of anxiety in students, it is important to support access to youth sports, which in addition to providing exercise also fosters friendships and instills values of competition and camaraderie,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “This bill aims to tackle one of the biggest barriers to participation: the cost of equipment, which often keeps low-income children on the sidelines.”
The bill, S-2860, would establish the “Sports Equipment Equity Pilot Program” to award grants to school districts for the provision of sports equipment and other related resources for participation in sports and other physical activities in schools. A school district who wants to participate in the program would be required to submit an application to the Commissioner of Education that details relevant information concerning the district’s need for such a program, the availability and quality of existing athletic program equipment, and any other information deemed necessary by the Commissioner.
“According to the Aspen Institute’s State of Play 2023 report, over 40 percent of children from families with incomes over $100,000 per year participate in youth sports, while roughly 25 percent of children from families with incomes under $25,000 participate,” said Senator Beach (D-Camden/Burlington). “This pilot program will provide districts resources to address this disparity and help children participate in sports regardless of a family’s ability to purchase equipment.”
The Commissioner would select six school districts from the northern, central, and southern regions of the state to participate in the pilot program. Upon completion of the program, each participating school district would be required to submit a report to the Commissioner including information on the number of students served, including their grade level, and the district’s views on the success and benefits of the program.
The bill was advanced in a 3-1 vote.
