The mission of the Giants Community Fund continues through Junior Giants Schools, a new, free program designed to expand equitable access to youth baseball and softball programming through a school-based model. The Junior Giants Schools program launched in Fall 2021 and provides services and activities to children in PE and after-school programs in Northern California thanks to the financing support from the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation along with Nike.
Our goal is to reach all children regardless of socioeconomic status and to provide them with the opportunity for fundamental character development and social-emotional learning through organized sports. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased need for supportive youth programming, the Giants Community Fund created a new branch of its traditional Junior Giants program by collaborating on a school-based model, making baseball and softball more accessible by reaching kids while they are at school. The Fund developed the program and its curriculum to address racial achievement gaps and socioeconomic disadvantages by providing six-week practice plans, teacher training, and AmeriCorps Ambassador support.
“We’re thrilled to be able to expand the Junior Giants program through Junior Giants Schools,” said Sue Petersen, Executive Director, Giants Community Fund. “Due to the uncertainties of COVID-19, we were driven to reimagine how we could make Junior Giants more inclusive and equitable, while remaining safe and healthy. With the support of the MLB-MLBPA’s Youth Development Foundation, we were able to deliver on our promise of using baseball and softball to propel youth in underserved regions to be positive forces in their communities.”
To find out more information or sign up for Junior Giants Schools please click here.