College Sports Information Directors of America

Related Content
• CSC Goodwill & Wellness Initiatives
• Thank you note to CSC from Frontline Outreach

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Note: Video produced by students from Frontline Innovation Studios.

by Jeremy Rosenthal – University of Texas, Associate Director, Communications // CSC Goodwill & Wellness Committee chair
 

Life changing. Heartwarming. Joy and laughter.
 
Those were words that were used to describe the Goodwill and Wellness Committee project with Frontline Innovation Studios at the convention this past summer in Orlando.
 
The Goodwill and Wellness Committee has worked with Frontline Outreach on several occasions, including in 2019 helping launch a program called Frontline SportsCenter Youth Network. Through that program kids in 8th through 11th grade were introduced to the athletic communications field and taught about sports broadcasting.
 
Frontline Innovation Studios took that to a new level by incorporating skills in communication, robotics, virtual reality and health and wellness.
 
During the 2023 CSC convention a group from the Goodwill and Wellness Committee saw the program and facility up close and were amazed by the setup.
 
Local broadcasters Kelly Burke and Jamie Seh made the trip with the committee. Usually Kelly and Jamie ask the questions, but on that day they were the subjects and the kids interviewed them.
 
 
"Having a chance to visit Frontline Innovation Studios & get to know their students was a life changing experience,” Burke said. “To see the indelible impact the program is having on Orlando youth was incredible. Leaders who are invested in the long term growth and success of their students- through teaching them vital communication skills, confidence and curiosity. Being innovative starts with access, and this program gives underprivileged youth avenues for pursuing their passions and possibility."
 
Gemima Canga, the project manager echoed those thoughts.
 
“Having Jamie and Kelly interact with the kids was a treat,” she said. “Their energy and enthusiasm are simply contagious, and the way they effortlessly connect with the children is heartwarming. It's as if they had a magical ability to make even the shyest ones open up and participate. The joy and laughter that filled the room during their interaction was truly a sight to see. Jamie and Kelly's presence didn't just brighten the kids' day, it left an indelible mark on all of us, reminding us of the power of genuine connection and the importance of nurturing young hearts and minds.”
 
The fun wasn’t over yet, as Jeffrey and Danica, two of the students in the program made their way to the Orlando World Center Marriott to participate in the CSC All-Star Night of Honors.
 
 
After President Jessica Poole gave an overview of the program to CSC members, Jeffrey and Danica interviewed emcee and Jake Wade Award Winner, Debbie Antonelli.
Jeffrey and Danica were poised, and both entertained the crowd and got great insightful responses from Antonelli, who enjoyed the experience.
 
“I loved the practical experience of the kids interviewing me for my award,” Antonelli said. “It was a great way to give them experience and introduce the program and the possibilities of the program to the organization! Sign me up to help in any way!”
 
In the past 15 years at the annual convention, the efforts of the Goodwill & Wellness committee and the CSC membership have raised nearly $50,000 for local charities including over $42,000 in the past eight years with money raised through the CSC 5K and community service events.
 
“It was amazing to finally see Frontline Innovation Studios in person,” said Ryan Davis, CSC Goodwill and Wellness Committee Vice Chair. “When our committee helped formulate this program two years ago, it was our goal to establish something special that would impact local Orlando youth for many years to come. To see how far Dwight Mitchell and his team at Frontline Outreach have taken this program in only two years is incredible.”
 
Stayed tuned for what the committee has in store for 2024 in Las Vegas!