BASE Play RBI
BASE Play RBI is an innovative after-school program that has been designed to provide academic support and life-changing experiences through baseball and softball to students living in economically distressed communities. This program has been developed by the Border Youth Athletic Association (BYAA), which is a non-profit organization that focuses on creating positive change in the lives of young people.
The program was launched in 2016 as an affiliate of Major League Baseball Youth Programs under RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities). The BASE Play RBI program has become one of the 220 RBI affiliates across the country, providing academic and athletic support to children and youth in need.
The program targets students in the 4th to 6th grade who are struggling academically or behaviorally. These students receive academic support services such as homework labs, grade tracking, and tutoring, along with after-school and weekend baseball and softball play. The program is offered at no cost to students or their families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate and benefit from the program.
In addition to the academic support provided, BASE Play RBI also offers life-changing experiences for the children. Through the program, children have the opportunity to learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and discipline, which will help them succeed in their future academic and professional endeavors.
Graduates of the BASE Play RBI program may be offered a scholarship to attend the High School Prep Academy, which is BYAA’s college preparatory programming for middle school students. Additionally, select students may also be invited to participate in the BYAA Young Leaders program, which is a mentorship and leadership program for teens. These programs aim to provide additional support to students as they progress through their academic and personal journeys.
Currently, the BASE Play RBI program is available in 10 schools in the Clint and Gadsden Independent School Districts, serving an average of 500 students. However, BYAA has plans to expand the program into additional schools in the future. The success of this expansion will depend on private sponsorship and support from the community.
The BASE Play RBI program is a shining example of how sports can be used as a tool for positive change in the lives of young people. By combining academic support and athletics, the program provides a holistic approach to education that can help students overcome challenges and succeed both on and off the field. With continued support and funding, BASE Play RBI has the potential to transform the lives of countless children and youth in need.