On March 17, 1969, the White House announced that the federal government was committing $3 million to establish a sports program for economically disadvantaged youth. The federal grant has significantly increased to $15 million since then, and strong congressional support remains for NYSP objectives.

NYSP is a partnership between the federal government, represented by the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the nation's colleges and universities, acting through the NCAA. Local support from within the communities of NYSP also helps make the program prosper.

2008 will be the 40th year for the NYSP, which began in 1968. The NYSP has served participants at more than 190 college and university campuses across the United States. Over 70,000 youth, between the ages of 10 and 16, participate in the National Youth Sports Program each summer, receiving sports skills instruction, supervision in sports competitions, and growth in physical fitness. Participants took part in hands-on lessons in health education, the dangers of drugs and alcohol and acquired skills to help them in future career and educational opportunities. Campers also learned about math and science in engaging ways.

The summer of 2008 will mark the 13th year of the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) at Yale. The National Youth Sports Program is a summer day camp, designed to give children from the inner city the opportunity to participate in group sports instruction with children of similar ages. The NYSP is a partnership between the federal government's Department of Health and Human Services and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This combination of federal funds and college resources offers leaders in education and athletics and opportunity to take an active role in the community and enrich the lives of its youth.