Reading, writing and arithmetic may help get students into college, but Cal Poly Pomona's athletic department hopes sports could also score big by pointing youth toward higher education.

The department is introducing a program that will help present university life to children through sport camps.

Coined "Budding Broncos," the program provides scholarships for local school children to attend the university's popular summer sports camps.

Three Pomona schools benefited this summer during the program's pilot year: Kellogg Elementary, Arroyo Elementary and Marshall Junior High. Fee waivers up to $300 each are provided for 24 children who demonstrate good citizenship, academic improvement and financial need.

"We really want to do everything we can to reach out to kids who otherwise may not be able to afford to come to our camps," says Dan Bridges, director of athletics. "We hope while they're on campus they have a great athletic experience and get a good feel of what it's like to be on a college campus. Maybe we can plant a seed in them that college is something they may want to do themselves."

Among the first group of Budding Broncos this summer were sisters Monica and Cynthia Santos, who had thought they would spend their school break just watching television and playing. In July, the girls joined other children on the Cal Poly Pomona courts learning to play tennis.

"We wanted to go somewhere cool during summer vacation," said 10-year-old Monica. "I was happy and amazed we got in [the program]. It's been great learning things you never played before."

These children learn more than how to hit a backhand, catch a fly ball or dribble down the court.

"The Budding Broncos program gives students the opportunity to not be limited by the finances of their family, but to be able to use their own resources, such as their initiative and commitment," says Celia Asebedo, principal of Kellogg Polytechnic Elementary School.

"It will certainly serve as a learning experience that will help them for the rest of their lives."

For more information about the Budding Broncos program, call (909) 869-2810.