Karate Scholarships

Karate Scholarships available for Lehigh County probation youth.
By Donna Gale, Wraparound Coordinator

Probation Officers in Lehigh County are referring youth to martial arts academies through a scholarship arrangement provided by local businesses through the Kids for Kids United program.

According to Deputy Chief, Andrew J. DeAngelo, " The martial arts are a natural fit to offer competency development, increase self-esteem, increase self-discipline, have the ability for our youth to interact with positive role models in a healthy environment and utilize their free time in a positive way." "It also offers the youth motivation, anger management and an element of spirituality." The scholarships are made easily accessible to the youth on probation by way of their assigned probation officer. The probation officer identifies a youth who is considered "at-risk and in financial need" and then contacts Hoover Karate Academy with the referral. Niccole Turoscy, the program coordinator, then makes an appointment with the family for an interview in their home.