Trina Pratt

My research interests involve the development of a comprehensive understanding of sports and recreation administration and management, positive youth development, and leadership, and its impact on youth using Don Hellison’s Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Model. My work experience withthe National Basketball Association (NBA), academicc training,  andresearch experiencee to date have provided mewith  an excellentbackgroundd in youth development and character and leadership building for youth ages 5-18  While in high school, I attended the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greensboro, NC, and facilitated programs with local youth to develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision-making, and contributing to their club and our community  From these experiences, I decided to pursue my undergraduate degree at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) in Recreation Administration while working in the clubs to continue my passion for working with young people  Upon graduation, I was given a full scholarship for training and professional development at the National Boys & Girls Club Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia  For my graduate training, I attended Temple University to expand my knowledge of sports and recreation management, focusing on high school and professional athletes through community outreach initiatives aimed at increasing team and youth awareness  After receiving my Master’s degree, I returned to the Boys & Girls Clubs as a full-time employee to work with board members and politicians on issues that affect our youth and their skills, attitude, and beliefs on society  In May 2013, I was inducted into the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greensboro Hall of Fameforn my accomplishments in fundraising, board development, and advocac. I furthered my research into conceptual and theoretical frameworks in community youth sports development. My research in positive youth development and youth leadership involves teaching elements of character building, modeling, respect, and promoting responsibility. As a fourth-generation teacher and the first in my family to graduate with a Master’s degree and Doctorate, I am a part of the 3rd line of twelve generations of Aggie Pride.