No "pause'" in supporting our student-athletes | covid-19 response

Over a week into Governor Andrew Cuomo’s “New York State on PAUSE” executive order, we find ourselves working harder than ever to fully support our student-athletes and their families during this uncertain time. Now more than ever, our support and assistance are necessary.
STEER will not  “pause” during this time; however, we will adapt.

​Today, our student-athletes find themselves adjusting to a new reality by adopting remote education, a social distancing practice, and coming to terms with the fact that most sports are ceasing to exist for the time being. As schools close and extracurricular activities are canceled we very clearly see the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the school communities we serve in Port Chester, Yonkers, and the Bronx. 
In light of all the changes in our student-athletes’ day-to-day lives, we aim to continue to be a source of stability and hope. We have quickly adapted our program offerings in order to continue to provide wrap-around support services to each of our student-athletes.  

All student-athletes, advisors, and employees have been equipped with the tools necessary to maintain success. Students are being provided  access to the following:

• Mentorship: The value of mentorship during this time is priceless. Our student-athletes are able to continue to lean on their advisors as a trusted support system as we ensure both parties are in contact on a daily basis.
• Virtual Programs: All programs have been adapted to online platforms. These include:
  • Peak Mental Game (PMG): Led by a professional sports psychologist, PMG curriculum continues to build our student-athletes’ mental strength. Student-athletes have access to various PMG courses that focus on skills such as concentration, motivation, adaptability, time management, etc. Weekly guidance from our sports psychologist equips our student-athletes with mental perspectives/tools to help them navigate the current public health situation. 
  • College Connections: Student-athletes will remain on track with college readiness progress as meetings with our College Connections director transition online. Student-athletes will continue to have access to SAT prep courses, college application and scholarship support, and guidance with the college athletic recruiting process.
  • Advisory Council for Empowering Girls (ACE): ACE will provide our female student-athletes with weekly media studies centered on female empowerment.
  • Athletic Support: In addition to weekly fitness challenges, we will work with our community partner, Beastmode Athletics, to provide virtual training sessions and at home workout plans to ensure our student-athletes can maintain consistency in their sports.
• Community Resource Connectivity: We have compiled and distributed information on new resources in line with the needs of our student-athletes and their families. We have purposely connected our student-athletes to resources within their community, allowing for greater accessibility to needed services.​

• Real-Time Support: We remain committed to providing high quality, student-centered support.
  • Office Hours: Our administrators have implemented virtual office hours during which students and advisors are encouraged to sign on and share any needs, experiences, and most importantly, continue to connect and engage as a community. 
  • Outreach Coordinator: Our coordinator has been providing an extra layer of personalized contact with each of our student-athletes and their advisors. Any needs identified during these correspondences are shared with our Student Support Administration. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has touched us at the core of our values. We view mentorship and community as vital to adapting in times of uncertainty. We thank you for being part of the STEER Community and sincerely wish both you and your loved ones health, safety, and positivity throughout this time. Please know, STEER will not “pause.” We will continue to provide support services and work united with our community partners, families, and advisors to rise up throughout this pandemic.