McKay High School Program Boosts Female Student Athletics
The WIS3 UP initiative offers female students leadership and sports opportunities during the school day lunch period.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Secondary Education
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McKay High School coaches launched the WIS3 UP program in 2025 to increase female student participation in athletics and school activities. The initiative supports students who face barriers to after-school involvement, such as family or work commitments, by hosting monthly lunchtime sessions.
Why it matters
The program addresses a participation gap among female students at the Title I-designated school by providing leadership development during the school day. It offers a structured way for students to build confidence and connections despite limitations on their after-school time.
Over 50 students participated in the first event of the current school year. The program, now in its second year, serves female students at a school currently holding a Title I federal designation.
The players
McKay High School
A Salem secondary school that carries a Title I federal designation due to its student population demographics.
The details
Coaches facilitate the WIS3 UP program by organizing relay races and interactive discussions during school lunch periods. These sessions focus on developing leadership skills and confidence, specifically targeting students who cannot stay after school due to childcare, work, or family obligations. The initiative aims to lower the barrier to entry for extracurricular sports and activities.
Timeline
The WIS3 UP program was officially launched by McKay High School coaches in 2025.
Events are held on a monthly basis for participating students throughout the school year.
The Home Front
This program aligns with the specific resource needs of Title I schools where external commitments often limit student extracurricular involvement. It represents a shift toward incorporating leadership development directly into the school day to ensure all students have access to sports.
Parents of students at McKay High School should encourage their children to speak with coaches about the monthly WIS3 UP lunch meetings. Families balancing heavy work or home responsibilities can use this program to ensure their students remain connected to school sports.
The takeaway
The WIS3 UP program provides a practical pathway for students to engage with school activities without the pressure of after-school attendance. Interested students can check with their coaches for the schedule of upcoming lunch sessions.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic and extracurricular initiatives in the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Salem Reporter.
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