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ABOUT US

ABOUT US

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A Winning Strategy

Our pitch is simple: The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation is all about opportunity.

Since 2001, we’ve honored the legacy of coach and mentor Cal Ripken, Sr. by bridging critical gaps for at-risk youth. Through our three pillars—National Youth Mentoring Initiatives, Youth Development Parks, and the National STEM Initiative—we provide opportunities that build character, foster mentorship, and promote STEM education.

Click here to view our 2024 Annual Report and learn more about our impact on underserved youth across the nation and our goals for the future.

A Lasting Legacy

Founded to honor the legacy and life of Cal Ripken, Sr., a longtime coach and mentor, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation prepares at-risk youth for life’s challenges by teaching them critical life skills such as teamwork, communication, work ethic, and respect. Our character-building programs give youth the tools they need to succeed in life and thrive within their communities.

Since 2001, the Foundation has seen steady growth and added programs, curricula, and initiatives that fortify our mission and ability to mentor young people in distressed communities across the country. The profound impact of our progress can be seen in all areas of our strategic plan.

“Dad was a teacher first and foremost. He had a spot for kids. He had a spot for teaching. He had a spot for turning the lightbulb on.”

– Billy Ripken, Foundation Co-Founder

 

Testimonials

We love to hear how the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation has positively impacted the lives of our mentors and at-risk youth. If you have a positive experience with the Foundation that you would like to share, please submit a story. You might be featured below or on our social media outlets!

" I have seen students come out of their shells, they are answering questions, they are building relationships with police officers and it is a very positive program in the schools. "
Tricia WinklerPrincipal, Lima South Science-Technology Magnet
Tricia Winkler
" Although our gym can be quite chaotic during the Badges for Baseball program, it has been rewarding to see the kids practice sportsmanship and leadership during games. I've had multiple students ask me, ‘Can we come back every day?’ It's questions like those that make all the chaos worthwhile. "
Carrie MarshMentor, Y of Central Maryland
Carrie Marsh
" I remember meeting Ernie Graham on the second day of the CRSF Summer Camp and listening to the story he told us about how he went from rags to riches to rags. I can honestly say that the summer camp was the reason I came back to school and decided to become a smart athlete. "
Cornell PowellFormer Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation Summer Camp Participant
Cornell Powell
" The Badges for Baseball program was a 100% law enforcement participation program and the kids that participated were at-risk kids who would never speak or communicate with the police. That has changed drastically, these kids now run up to the police cruisers and they want to talk to the police. "
Sgt. Randy ShawStafford County, Virginia
Sgt. Randy Shaw
" The Badges for Baseball program has yielded results that were unforeseen. The relationships made will be lifelong and the Green Bay Police Department is eager to continue on with the program. "
Officer Kevin WarychGreen Bay Police Department
Officer Kevin Warych
" This CRSF camp trip was packed with “first’s” for most of the members that joined me: it was the first time these members traveled out of state and for some, the first time at a baseball camp. Although the camp was loaded with memories, what stuck with my group of boys the most was the bonding they had with our roommates after all the activities were done. "
BJ KolbBoys and Girls Club of Green Bay
BJ Kolb
" I can remember back to my first day in the Badges for Baseball program. The police officers were amazing, coming out to all the practices and games. They had a big influence on me, and because of them, I am now studying to become a police officer at Fox Valley Tech in Appleton, Wisconsin. It wouldn’t have been possible without Badges for Baseball. "
Alex StewardFormer Badges for Baseball Participant
Alex Steward