McKay High School Coaches Boost Female Student Athletics

The WIS3 UP program provides monthly lunch activities to increase student participation in Salem.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration showing two relay batons on a wooden floor, representing school sports and youth athletic engagement. — McKay High School in Salem has launched the WIS3 UP program to boost female student participation in athletics through midday activities. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe extracurricular programs are effective at building leadership skills for students in your area?

Coaches at McKay High School launched the WIS3 UP program in 2025 to help female students build confidence and leadership skills. The initiative works to address participation barriers by hosting events during lunch periods in Salem.

Why it matters

School leadership created the program after identifying that many students struggle to join after-school clubs due to work, family, or childcare responsibilities. By utilizing the school day, the initiative provides a consistent space for students to engage with athletics.

Over 50 students participated in the first event of the current school year at the Title I-designated high school. The program is now in its second full year of operation.

The players

McKay High School

This educational institution serves the Salem community and currently holds a Title I federal designation.

The details

Coaches facilitate interaction through relay races and structured discussions aimed at fostering leadership traits among participants. These activities are designed to accommodate students who cannot participate in traditional after-school programming.

The WIS3 UP program was officially launched in 2025.
The program hosts sessions on a monthly basis during lunch periods.

Culture Shift

This program reflects a broader movement in secondary education to align extracurricular access with the realities of students living in households with Title I federal designation status. Schools are increasingly shifting away from purely after-school models to ensure equitable participation.

Students at McKay High School can access sports-related leadership activities without needing to stay after school for practice. This change helps those with family or work obligations remain active in the school community.

The takeaway

Focusing on inclusive scheduling allows schools to overcome logistical barriers for busy students. Providing leadership opportunities during the school day can significantly boost engagement for athletes who face external time constraints.