Paint splatter accent Community Engagement

Advancing the mission in the community

The Academy is committed to serving the most underserved areas of the community, with a particular emphasis on the neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River. A community-centered approach to holistic youth development requires robust coordination with residents, schools, and municipal agencies. This hyperlocal approach is bolstered through collaboration with nonprofit partners, civic leaders, corporate champions, and community members at large.

The community engagement function of the Academy is anchored in our mission of using the sports of baseball and softball as vehicles to foster positive character development, academic achievement, and improved health for underserved area youth. It follows two tracks of activity.

  • Attracting interest and support from individuals and organizations to dedicate their time and talent to our Scholar Athletes through weekly mentorship and standalone volunteer engagements at our Fort Dupont Park facility.
  • Scaling Academy programs to offsite locations in the community through YBA PLAY – free baseball clinics that make the game accessible and foster character development.
18k

hours invested by more than 1,700 volunteers since 2019.

635

mentors have been matched with our Scholar Athletes since the program began nearly a decade ago.

706

children participated in YBA PLAY clinics in 2022.

Volunteer Opportunities

Last year, 60 volunteer mentors committed over 1,000 hours during weekly meetings with their Scholar Athlete mentees. See below for different ways you can get involved with the Academy to make an impact on the lives of school-age children in Washington, D.C.
Become a Volunteer

Mentoring

Last year, 60 volunteer mentors committed over 1,000 hours during weekly meetings with their Scholar Athlete mentees. Volunteer mentors are carefully matched with 3rd-8th grade mentees and spend one hour each week together throughout the school year. Mentorship is a year-long commitment.

Apply to be a mentor

YBA PLAY Coaching

YBA PLAY relies on volunteer coaches during its summer league to deliver fun and free baseball instruction at sites throughout D.C. YBA PLAY coaching is a six-week commitment.

Apply to be a coach

Group Volunteering

Corporate partners of the Academy have the opportunity to plan a coordinated group volunteer day during BASE Afterschool or Summer program, including volunteer roles for on-field and classroom assistance.

 

Questions about volunteer opportunities? Contact Janay Morant at Janay.Morant@nationals.com.