Dec. 12, 2007

QUEENS, N.Y. - Approximately 1,750 middle school students will help St. John's Athletics and KeySpan Foundation begin their second year of the "Hoops for the Stars" program. The program uses positive reinforcement, recognition of success and awards for academic performance, underscoring a shared commitment by St. John's University and KeySpan Foundation to create opportunities for solutions to educational issues within the Queens, Brooklyn and Nassau County area.

Through a $25,000 grant from KeySpan Foundation, St. John's will donate 3,500 tickets for men's basketball games at Madison Square Garden and Carnesecca Arena throughout the 2007-08 season. For the second year of the program, criteria will once again focus on academic achievement, with a new component created to motivate at-risk students by placing particular emphasis on rewarding behavioral improvements - those that ultimately impact academic performance. The focus criteria are set as follows: appreciable increase in attendance, dramatic decrease in negative behavior, significant contribution to the community--all of which has proven to enhance academic progress.

"We are again pleased to be able to partner with KeySpan Foundation in this endeavor," said Chris Monasch, St. John's Director of Athletics. "As a Catholic, Vincentian institution in the metropolitan area, St. John's is always looking for ways to be involved in the New York City community. This partnership will provide many students opportunities to be rewarded for achievement in the classroom."

Another second-year addition to the "Hoops for the Stars" program, members of the St. John's men's basketball team will visit the highest performing school in their postseason. The student-athletes will speak about motivation and inspiration, the need and importance of study, while emphasizing the benefits to staying in school.

"Education is one of KeySpan Foundation's focus areas and we are proud to partner with St. John's University's Hoops for the Stars program," said Robert G. Keller, Executive Director, KeySpan Foundation. "Through Hoops for the Stars, we hope to motivate and inspire all students to apply themselves to their studies and build hope for the future."