The National Youth Sports Program, a five-week summer sports camp for poor children ages 13 to 16, is one of several youth-athletics programs to be awarded in the first round of TSA grants.

It is expected to serve 300-350 children this summer, up from 220 last year, because of the grant.

The TSA fund, collected through a state hotel and rental car tax, was approved by voters in 2000. Last week, TSA officials announced they would dole out $1.3 million once the project proposals receive final approval later this month.

The youth sports program is largely funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and receives additional support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

But because of the TSA grant, which will go directly to transportation, the ASU youth sports program will be able to accept about 100 additional Phoenix-area children into the program.

"Because the TSA is providing the transportation, I can get these kids from all over the Valley . . . and bring them to a college campus," said Jennifer Kunz, youth sports program activities director.

The transportation grant will enable buses to reach as far as Apache Junction and Deer Valley.

ASU is one of 200 colleges and universities nationwide to host the camp, which is focused on improving the health habits of children from lower-income families and exposing the young participants to higher education opportunities.

For more information on the youth sports program, call (480) 965-3534.