UNH b-ball team helps teach 4th graders

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- West Haven fourth-graders got a friendly bounce from the University of New Haven women's basketball Chargers today.

The first-ever "Class at the Court" program had players visiting the kids at elementary schools last week.

The program culminated today with the youngsters visiting the UNH campus, getting hands-on experience tying core studies such as math and science to basketball.

Just one example, a demonstration of force and rebounding along with touring the Henry Lee Forensic Science building.

"They love working with kids, that's the first part. The second part is, they understand a little bit of what their role is as a mentor, as somebody that can set a good example, show the little kids how to act, how you can set goals and get places and, to be honest, they kind of get a little fanfare," said Jessica Smith the UNH women's head basketball coach.

The university says "Class at the Court" is part of its broader efforts to provide student athletes a chance to give back to the local community.