East San Jose Elementary, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a Title I dual language school, which serves many students facing economic disadvantages. In this environment, students encounter challenges that put them at risk of falling behind academically. Additionally, access to extracurricular activities, including sports, is limited due to various barriers such as fees and logistical constraints.

However, through a partnership with DEA Operation Engage, the DEA El Paso Division, and the DEAEF, students in grades 3-5 had the opportunity to participate in a 10-week program that introduced them to basketball. The program was run by coaches Derek Metzgar and Kristen Paulson, who are also the school’s physical education teachers.

“Some students have been exposed to soccer but not to basketball,” said Metzgar. “They had so much enthusiasm around basketball and worked really hard.”

Upon kicking off the program, there was so much interest that Metzgar and Paulson decided to create two teams of students. Throughout the program, students learned basketball fundamentals such as drills, dribbling, “give and gos,” and more. In addition to learning fundamentals, students were able to play against other local elementary schools; something East San Jose has never had to opportunity to do. Upon conclusion of the program, students wore their DEAEF basketball t-shirts proudly, gathered together and had a pizza party, enjoyed cake, and were given certificates of completion to celebrate their accomplishments.

In a community where extracurricular activities can be scarce, the basketball program provided a much-needed outlet for the students of East San Jose Elementary.

“This program really made a positive impact on our students,” said Metzgar. “I’ve never seen students carry around a basketball before. Now they play basketball at recess, they tell me about playing at home because their parents got them a basketball hoop, and they go to the park to play. I can tell that some of them will likely continue basketball into middle school and high school and possibly beyond. They are into it, and I see their determination to learn, progress, and stay healthy.”

The DEAEF basketball program not only provided physical activity but also instilled essential life lessons about discipline, perseverance, and the rewards of hard work while reinforcing the message about the benefits of living a drug-free lifestyle and staying healthy.

“We can’t just tell young people to not use drugs; we have to give them an alternative activity,” said Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s El Paso Division, which covers West Texas and New Mexico. “These types of programs do exactly that. We are extremely thankful for our partnership with the DEA Educational Foundation through Operation Engage.”

The partnership between DEA Operation Engage, the DEA El Paso Division, and the DEAEF has positively impacted East San Jose Elementary students. With coaches Metzgar and Paulson, students embraced a healthier lifestyle and newfound passion. This program exemplifies the power of alternative activities in fostering determination and resilience among youth, paving the way for bright futures.