A New Chapter
Why Empower Baseball is Becoming Vias RD
Empower Baseball began with a simple idea: use baseball to keep Dominican youth in school. Through free training, mentorship, and educational accountability, we discovered that baseball could open doors — but education creates lasting opportunities.
Over time, our mission expanded beyond the field. We began investing in academic support, mentorship, faith, technology access, and pathways to opportunity. The name Vias RD reflects that broader vision.
Baseball remains an important part of our work through Vias Baseball , but it is now one of several ways we help young people create opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities.
The Reality in the dr
In the Dominican Republic, baseball can open doors — but for most kids, chasing the dream without an education leaves them with nowhere to go, whe their baseball dream is over.
0%
of Dominican kids who chase a Major League Baseball contract never sign one.
0%
of kids in the DR never finish high school.
0
When the dream dies, they have nothing. There is no Plan B.
Every year, thousands of boys across the Dominican Republic drop out of school and leave their homes to train full-time for a baseball contract. The odds are worse than the lottery. And when it doesn't happen they are left with — no diploma, no skills, no options. The cycle of poverty locks in for another generation.
Who takes care of the 98%?
We do.
Most organizations are building better players.
We're building better futures.
That is why Empower Baseball exists — to make sure the kids who never sign still have school, support, mentorship, and a future beyond the field.
The 98% are not forgotten.
The Model
We flipped the system.
Baseball is usually treated as the dream. We use it as the incentive. Every player earns the right to train, compete, and receive support by staying enrolled in school, maintaining grades, and working toward graduation.
1
Commitment
Sign the commitment
Every player and family signs a written commitment: stay enrolled in school, maintain a 70%+ grade average, and show up consistently. No exceptions.
2
Accountability
Grades earn game time
Our local staff — Ulises, Bernarda, and Rosa — track attendance and grades weekly. School comes first. If grades slip, practice stops until they recover.
3
Future
Graduate. Then dream big.
A high school diploma opens doors baseball alone never could. If baseball creates an opportunity, we support it. If not, players still have education, confidence, and a path forward.
Proof of Impact
The model is working.
Every player in our program is enrolled in school and maintaining grades. That is the standard. Baseball is the reward, but education is the win.
100%
Enrolled in School
Every Empower Baseball player stays connected to education.
100%
Maintaining Grades
The classroom standard is part of earning the right to play.
0
Dropouts
The goal is simple: keep every player moving toward graduation.
3
Teams
High school, middle school, and T-ball players growing in one system.
Our Programs
Three teams. One standard.
From T-ball to high school, every team is built around the same promise: baseball is earned through school, effort, and accountability.
High School Team
Our flagship program for teens 14–18. Players receive year-round competitive baseball, mentorship, academic accountability, and support to stay on track for graduation.
Middle School Team
Building habits before the pressure gets heavier. Players ages 10–13 learn baseball fundamentals while developing discipline, school routines, and confidence.
T-Ball (Ages 5–9)
Where it all begins. Young kids learn the joy of baseball, teamwork, showing up, listening to coaches, and becoming part of something bigger than themselves.
On the Ground
Real kids. Real impact.
These are the players your support helps keep in school, on the field, and surrounded by mentors who show up every week.
Watch & Listen
Stories from Barahona
Real voices. Real impact. Hear from the players, families, and community who live this mission every day.
From the Community
Heard on the ground
“Before Empower Baseball, I was thinking about dropping out. Now I'm on the team and my grades are the best they've ever been. Baseball made me take school seriously.”
Empower Baseball Player
High School Team, Barahona
“As a parent, I was worried my son would chase baseball and forget his studies. This program changed everything. He goes to school every day and comes home talking about both.”
Parent of a Player
Barahona, Dominican Republic
“I've seen a lot of baseball programs in the DR. This one is different. They actually check grades. They actually care if the kids graduate. That's rare.”
Community Member
Barahona, Dominican Republic
Quotes reflect real sentiments shared by players, parents, and community members in Barahona. Names withheld to protect privacy.
Get Involved
Ways to give
Whether you give monthly, sponsor a player, volunteer your skills, or donate gear — every action keeps a Dominican kid in school.
🏟️
$15/mo
to start
Monthly Giving
Join The Dugout
Become a monthly supporter and give these kids the stability they need. As little as $15/month keeps a player in school and on the field all year long.
Join Monthly →🤝
100%
goes to DR
One-Time or Recurring
Sponsor a Player
Make a direct gift to fund a player's season — uniforms, equipment, coaching, and academic support. Every dollar goes straight to Barahona.
Sponsor Now →🙋
6
open roles
Give Your Time & Skills
Volunteer
Coach, tutor, photograph, fundraise, or coordinate camps. We're a small team doing big things — and there's a real place for you here, remote or in-person.
Volunteer With Us →⚾
50+
kids need gear
Gear for the Field
Donate Equipment
Bats, gloves, helmets, and training gear go directly to players in Barahona. New or gently used equipment makes a real difference for kids who have very little.
Contact Us →🚀
Any
amount helps
Peer-to-Peer
Start a Fundraiser
Rally your friends, family, or coworkers around a cause that matters. Create your own fundraising page and help us reach more kids in Barahona.
Start Fundraising →🎁
50+
kids served
Support a Campaign
Give to a Fundraiser
Someone you know is fundraising for Empower Baseball. Give to their campaign and double the impact — your gift goes directly to programs in the Dominican Republic.
Find a Campaign →🏢
$250+
to get on the wall
Corporate Sponsorship
Become a Brand Partner
Get your logo on the outfield wall at Empower Baseball Field. Align your brand with education, youth development, and a mission that makes a real difference.
See Sponsorship Tiers →Monthly Giving
Join The Dugout
Your recurring gift gives us the stability to show up for these kids all year long. 100% goes directly to programs in Barahona.
$15
per month
Keep a Player in Class
Covers school supplies and part of a player's academic support so they stay focused in the classroom.
Sponsor Now
$35
per month
Power a Full Season
Supports uniforms, shared equipment, and field time for one player in our Piratas del Sur program.
Sponsor Now
$75
per month
Back a Whole Team
Funds coaching, mentoring, and academic tracking for multiple players across our three teams.
Sponsor Now
$150
per month
Champion Level
Provides comprehensive support including staff wages, equipment, and expansion to serve kids on the waitlist.
Sponsor NowAll donations are tax-deductible. EIN: 85-0947825
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Expanding in 2026
Girls' Softball
is Coming
Education-first isn't just for boys. In 2026, we're launching a girls' softball program with the same non-negotiable academic standards. Every girl will earn her spot on the team by staying in school and keeping her grades up.
Why You Can Trust Us
Your donation, fully accounted for.
100%
of donations go to DR
Zero US overhead taken from donations
Locally Led
Dominican staff run the program
Ulises, Bernarda & Rosa are on the ground daily
25 Years
of community trust in Barahona
Founded on relationships built since 1998
Latest Posts
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