In the Dominican Republic, thousands of boys grow up believing professional baseball can change their family's future. Many begin serious training while they are still children.
The problem is that only a small percentage will ever build a professional career. When a young player leaves school to chase baseball and the contract never comes, he can reach adulthood without a diploma, job preparation or another clear path forward.
The Straley Project exists to change that choice. We want our players to compete, develop and pursue baseball opportunities — while staying in school and preparing for life beyond the field.
Every Straley Project player is expected to remain enrolled in school and make progress toward graduation. Baseball is the entry point. Education is part of the commitment.
These are current activities of The Straley Project — not future plans. Our Dominican staff works directly with youth and families throughout the year.
We currently operate three youth baseball teams serving different age groups in Barahona. Players participate in regular practices, games and tournaments under Dominican coaches. The Straley Project helps provide uniforms, gloves, bats, training equipment and other program needs so participation is not limited by a family's ability to pay.
Players are expected to stay enrolled in school. We work with players and families to reinforce attendance, academic progress and graduation. When a child is struggling, the goal is to identify the problem early and connect him with additional educational support rather than allowing baseball to replace school.
We are expanding the educational side of the program to include tutoring, English-language instruction, computer access, homework support and mentorship. These services are designed to help students succeed in school and develop practical skills they can use beyond baseball.
For players who earn legitimate baseball opportunities, we support them as they pursue those opportunities. For everyone else, our goal is equally clear: finish school, graduate and move into university, vocational training, employment or another productive next step.
The Straley Project is beginning to create opportunities for girls through softball. This part of the program is still early in its development, and we are building participation, coaching and resources as the program grows.
The program is supported locally by Dominican staff, including program leadership, coaching and communications. We also have a physical office at the baseball field in Barahona that is being developed into a more useful base for administration, equipment, meetings and educational support.
The Straley Project has been working with youth in Barahona since 2020. These numbers represent the program operating today.
We celebrate baseball accomplishments, but a diploma matters just as much. Every player who reaches graduation proves that pursuing baseball and finishing school do not have to be competing goals.
That is the model we want more young people in Barahona to see: work hard on the field, stay committed in the classroom and leave childhood with more than one opportunity.
Baseball is how The Straley Project began, but our long-term vision is larger than a baseball program.
As funding, staffing and participation grow, we are working toward a permanent community center where young people can come before or after school for tutoring, English classes, computer access, mentorship, homework help and structured youth activities.
We are building toward that vision step by step. The current field office gives us a local base. Expanding educational programming is the next stage. A larger community center is the long-term goal.
We are not there yet. But every team, coach, computer, tutor, graduate and donor helps build the foundation for it.
A safe, consistent place in Barahona where youth can develop academically, personally and athletically.
Our social channels show the program as it actually happens: practices, games, equipment distribution, school milestones, graduations, staff updates and everyday life with the young people we serve.
Donations and partnerships help fund the program that exists today while allowing us to expand education, staffing and facilities for the future.
Donations support Dominican staff, baseball equipment, educational resources, transportation, technology and other costs required to operate the program in Barahona.
Give Today →Volunteers can contribute professional skills, educational support, fundraising help and other expertise that strengthens the organization in the United States and Dominican Republic.
Volunteer →Corporate support helps fund current programs and gives The Straley Project greater capacity to expand educational services and local infrastructure.
Sponsorship Opportunities →Today, The Straley Project is running teams, employing Dominican staff, supporting education and helping young people stay on a path toward graduation. Tomorrow, we want that work to grow into a permanent community center serving youth throughout Barahona.
