Erica Watts has a full plate most days. Between morning and afternoon practices, classes, and home and away meets, Watts—a member of the U-M women’s swimming team—has more than enough to keep her busy.

But she also is one of many Wolverines giving her time and talent to represent U-M in the community. Watts is among more than 400 student-athletes who participate each year in the Athletic Department’s community outreach efforts.

A major part of the program, called MSHARE (Michigan Student-athletes Helping to Achieve Reading Excellence), takes athletes to local classrooms to read to elementary and middle school children.

“Teaching kids that they can be really great at something, but also that reading is the basic skill that will let them fly, is important,” Watts says. She interned with the department last year and has spent many Friday mornings off campus. “The older kids really understand the message, and knowing that makes it fun to go back every week.”

The Athletic Department recently strengthened a five-year-old initiative it has implemented with Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS), called “Partners for Excellence.” The program is designed to enhance the overall educational experience for AAPS students and to provide U-M student-athletes with rewarding volunteer opportunities in the community. It stresses a commitment to education, fitness and nutritional excellence.

Educational efforts are bolstered through MSHARE, incentive-based promotions for U-M athletic events and a speaker’s bureau. AAPS schools and faculty members can request that student-athletes participate in programs designed around the school’s lesson plans or curriculum.

“It is a vital part of their whole experience as a student-athlete,” says Maher Salah, the Athletic Department’s director of student-athlete development. “We want them to have success in the classroom and on the field, and right along with that goes success in the community. A lot of our student-athletes say it is one of the greatest parts of their experience here.”

The second emphasis of the program—commitment to fitness and nutritional excellence—will partner student-athletes with elementary students in “Pen Pals for Fitness.” Correspondence will focus on physical activity and efforts to stay fit. The Athletic Department also will host a Celebrate Fitness Day this fall, and several educational opportunities will coincide with U-M athletic events.

As part of Physical Fitness Month in October, U-M student-athletes will make appearances at schools in the AAPS system and will judge an essay contest about the positive impact sports and fitness have had on students’ lives.

“Our students really benefit from seeing U-M student-athletes and hearing them address issues of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a good academic record,” says Norma McCuiston, AAPS coordinator of federal, state and local programs. “It really makes an impression on them to hear and see student-athletes talk about these two very important areas of their lives. I think some students will really begin to think and take some action in these areas.”

Salah says he expects all 25 of the University’s intercollegiate athletic teams to participate during the school year. He stresses that student-athletes volunteer their time and that outreach is not mandatory.

“There is really a culture of service and giving back in our department,” Salah says.