Community Corner

Former Helix High, Grossmont College Football Star to Launch After-School Program

Next Step A M.A.P. Program, Inc. will focus on mind, athletics and professional aspirations.

Because of his hard work and the support he received through after-school programs as a child, Rajive Otah received a full-ride scholarship to college.

Now, the former hometown football star hopes to give back to his community by launching an after-school program next fall.

Otah, a La Mesa resident, founded Next Step A M.A.P. Program, Inc. to "assist neglected and troubled youth in community by increasing the opportunities for the student's success through education and athletics."

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Otah currently designs sports teams, activities and academic study sessions as a sports instructor through the Youth & Family Services after-school program. The M.A.P. Program will help children focus on their mind, athletics and professional aspirations. Otah said some after-school programs are missing one or more of these components.

"I saw a need," he said. "I see some programs are missing. It's a hit or miss with different students. I feel that I can partner up and fill that void, just sit in the middle and help the kids."

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The program will target middle school and high school youth in East County, with plans to eventually expand to North County and the South Bay area.

"I feel a lot of children get lost, and they don't have a lot of guidance outside of their home," Otah said. "Some programs are there just to babysit; some may not have the staff or the support they need to really take the time to focus on what the child's needs are…I'd like to step in and help them out with that."

Otah has worked with children ever since he was a child. As an eighth-grader at Lemon Grove Middle School, he participated in a mentor group at a youth center in Lemon Grove. And, even before entering Helix High School, he became involved with "Tater Tots," the after-school daycare program.

He also participated in after-school programs involving sports. Otah played flag football and participated in Lemon Grove Middle School's club basketball team.

Through these various programs, Otah realized he wanted to pursue sports. He even met his friend and future Helix High School football teammate, New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush.

But Otah was no slouch on the gridiron himself. At Helix, he rushed for 1,753 yards and 23 touchdowns on 212 carries, averaging 8.2 yards per carry. Otah set a touchdown record—which was broken a few years later—for six touchdowns in one game. During his tenure, Helix advanced to the CIF San Diego Section playoffs.

"We'd push each other on the field to see who could do better," Otah said. "It brought out the competitive side to almost everyone on the team. Everyone tried to do their part to win."

After high school, Otah went on to break more football records at Grossmont College. In 2004, he became the second highest all-time rusher in Grossmont College's 43-year history with 1,165 yards. He was named 2004 Grossmont College Offensive player of the year, among other accolades.

Otah then received a full-ride scholarship to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. The school's football team went on to win the Big South Conference in 2008.

After graduating that same year, Otah entered the NFL draft and participated in different NFL combines. When he wasn't selected to a team, Otah decided to pursue his other passion—helping youth.

"That was the crossroad where 'Your sports career has kind of come to an end. What are you going to do next?'" he explained. "I knew if I came back, the first thing I wanted to do was get involved in the community."

Otah, who received his degree in education at Grossmont College and majored in Exercise Science K-12 teaching at Liberty University, decided to include athletics among his nonprofit's focuses because of the many skills he attained as an athlete.   

Until the after-school program officially launches next fall, Otah hopes to begin different youth activities for the community, such as mentorship, sports teams and clubs. One of his ideas is to create a buddy system for those who want to work out and get in shape.

"I hope to inspire many kids to do their best and know that everyone is there for them to help them in their time of need and what they want to accomplish," he said. "It can be attainable."

For more information about the program, visit www.amapprogram.com.


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