Free Baseball. Better Education. Brighter Futures
We use baseball to keep kids in school, provide mentorship, and create scholarship opportunities in the Dominican Republic. Join us to break the cycle of poverty through education and sports
The Challenge: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
In the Dominican Republic, many children abandon school, believing baseball is their only way out of poverty. But with dropout rates in rural areas twice as high as in cities, and 98% of young players never signing a professional contract, the reality is harsh. Without education, they are left without options, continuing the cycle of poverty.
Education Stats in Rural DR
42% of Dominican children enrolled in 1st grade drop out of school before 9th grade in rural DR.
71% of Dominican Children in Rural areas drop out of school during High School
Less than 2% make it big. The rest are thrown back into society with little to no education
Our Approach: Baseball as a Bridge to Education
High-Quality Coaching
We provide structured training, professional coaching, and game exposure to Dominican youth.
School Attendance Required
Players must stay in school and maintain good grades to participate in our program.
Path to Scholarships
We help players secure scholarships to Dominican and U.S. universities.
Change the Culture
We set change the way things are done in the DR, to cooperate as leagues, creates a system to benefit the kids and not the leagues, and then repeat
In the Dominican Republic, many families prioritize full-time baseball training over education, believing it offers their family the best opportunity to escape poverty.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
We are not alone in this fight.
We are a Team.
The Empower Baseball program requires a compromiso or commitment from each player to stay in school as they play with our baseball team, Los Piratas del Sur.
While our core is baseball, we coach the importance of education and having a backup plan. Our approach extends beyond the diamond, ensuring they grow both as athletes and individuals by meeting their personal, education and professional goals.
See how your donation is making a difference
Empower Baseball is setting the example by demanding higher standards from everyone involved, from players to coaches and leagues. We are building a future where baseball and education are intertwined, starting in Barahona and moving toward Santo Domingo.
Testimonials
