Education

Since 2006, the Rays Baseball Foundation has teamed up with Suncoast Credit Union for the summer reading program Reading with the Rays - Read Your Way to the Ballpark. Reading with the Rays encourages kids to avoid summer reading loss by participating in a fun and interactive reading program over the summer months. More than 540,000 Tampa Bay area students from nine surrounding counties have participated since its inception. Participating libraries track their progress and award prizes for reaching certain goals, including free tickets to a Rays game. The program is made possible through a partnership with Suncoast Credit Union, Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education, the Rays and public library systems in Charlotte, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties. Learn more

Each summer, Rays baseball operations staff members teach STEM curriculum at Academy Prep campuses in Lakeland, Tampa and St. Petersburg. Across five days at each campus, staff members teach students lessons from the Rays Science of Baseball program, which includes subjects such as geometry, physiology, and statistics. Since 2022, over 4,800 hours of STEM instruction have been taught through the Rays Science of Baseball program.

Through various scholarship programs in the Tampa Bay area, the Rays Baseball Foundation has contributed more than $2 million since 2008, supporting scholars in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Sarasota, and Manatee counties.

Academy Prep Centers for Education - The Rays Baseball Foundation awards annual scholarships to Academy Prep locations in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Lakeland. Academy Prep provides a supportive academic environment designed for students who may not have succeeded in a traditional school setting. The centers inspire and empower economically disadvantaged students to become future community leaders through a rigorous middle school program coupled with ongoing graduate support.

Barry Jones Memorial Scholarship - In memory of beloved front office staff member Barry Jones, the Rays Baseball Foundation established the Barry Jones Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes a Manatee County student who exemplifies outstanding academic achievement and a commitment to community service.

Dave Wills Memorial Scholarship – The Tampa Bay Rays will honor the life of long-time radio announcer, Dave Wills, who served as the team’s announcer for the past 18 years. Wills passed away on March 5, 2023, at the age of 58. A scholarship is being established in honor of Wills.

Don Zimmer Memorial Scholarship - The Rays Baseball Foundation and CFY Pinellas partner to present the Don Zimmer Memorial Scholarship, given to a high school senior who demonstrates the leadership and strong character of Don Zimmer.

St. Petersburg College Foundation First Generation Scholarship - Through the Rays' support of St. Petersburg College Foundation First Generation Scholarship Initiative, over 50 students who might not otherwise have the chance to attend college, have the opportunity to continue their educational aspirations.

Take Stock in Children Scholarships - Since 2012, the Rays Baseball Foundation has committed to students participating in Take Stock in Children in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee and Pasco counties. The partnership is aimed at giving students the financial resources and mentorship support they need to successfully achieve a postsecondary education at any Florida state college. Take Stock in Children provides a unique opportunity for low-income and at-risk students, many from minority families, to escape the cycle of poverty through education. The program offers students college scholarships, mentorship and hope for a better life. The program's comprehensive services start in middle school, continue through high school and include helping students transition to college.

The Community Libraries have locations at Academy Prep of Lakeland, Academy Prep of St. Petersburg (private location), Academy Prep of Tampa, Campbell Park Resource Center, St. Petersburg Police Athletic League and Tropicana Field Community Corner (inside near Gate 3 Guest Services). Learn More

JA BizTown

Junior Achievement’s BizTown combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated town. This popular learning experience allows elementary school students to operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks, and vote for mayor. Students are able to connect the dots between what they learn in school and the real world.

Enterprise Village & Finance Park

The Rays Baseball Foundation is a proud supporter of Pinellas Education Foundation’s Enterprise Village and Finance Park. Students are encouraged to visit the Rays broadcast booth to be filmed while calling a game, just like a Rays broadcaster. There is also a Rays Team Store for students to use their Enterprise Village debit cards to make purchases for Rays promotional items.

Since 2022, the Rays have hosted a school supply drive benefitting the Hillsborough Education Foundation and Pinellas Education Foundation.

Each year, the Rays partner with Campbell Park Elementary School for the Great American Teach-In. The Great American Teach-In provides an opportunity for members of the community to come in and speak with students about their occupations, hobbies, or areas of interest. Rays staff members speak to students about the many career opportunities at the Rays.