The New York Skyriders, Inc., has operated since 1980 primarily as an AAU team offering counseling and college placement services to youth in Queens, N.Y, focused in the Jamaica and Far Rockaway communities. The program was funded largely by private support from the Skyriders’ Principals.  It became clear, however, that additional support services were needed, and the number of student athletes in need of those services increased as well.  The facility being used was no longer sufficient to address those needs.  Therefore, in 1997 , the decision was made to incorporate as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and seek additional support to continue and expand program offerings to youth in underserved communities.