Providing Opportunities

Growing up is an uphill battle for too many young people today—especially those in the most distressed communities. The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation gives at-risk youth a boost when they need it most.

We design empowering youth development programs that help kids navigate a multitude of challenges in healthy, positive ways.

Badges for Baseball, our signature life skills training program, is a perfect example. As tension runs high between police and community members, Badges uses sports-themed activities for kids to foster connections among young people and law enforcement. Youth come to know officers as friends and mentors, and officers build valuable rapport in the neighborhoods they patrol.

Our youth development programs address many other topics and issues, including:

  • Health and fitness
  • Nutrition
  • Financial literacy
  • Civics and leadership
  • Bullying prevention
  • STEM proficiency
  • College preparedness
  • Self-esteem for girls
  • Community building
  • Adaptive sports for children with special needs