Education-First Baseball
What is The Straley Project?
The Straley Project is an education-first baseball nonprofit serving youth in Barahona, Dominican Republic. We provide free baseball training, equipment, coaching, and mentorship — but every player must stay enrolled in school and maintain their grades to play.
In a country where many boys chase a baseball contract before a diploma, we flipped the model. Today, 100% of our players are enrolled and maintaining grades — and every gift helps a child build a future beyond the field.
The Reality in the DR
In the Dominican Republic, baseball can open doors — but for most kids, chasing the dream without an education leaves them with nowhere to go when their baseball dream is over.
of Dominican kids who chase a Major League Baseball contract never sign one.
of kids in the DR never finish high school.
When the dream dies, they have nothing. There is no Plan B.
Every year, thousands of boys across the Dominican Republic drop out of school and leave their homes to train full-time for a baseball contract. The odds are worse than the lottery. And when it doesn't happen, they are left with no diploma, no skills, no options. The cycle of poverty locks in for another generation.
Who takes care of the 98%?
We do.
Most organizations are building better players.
We're building better futures.
That is why The Straley Project exists — to make sure the kids who never sign still have school, support, mentorship, and a future beyond the field.
The 98% are not forgotten.
The Model
We changed the equation.
Baseball is usually treated as the dream. We use it as the incentive. Every player earns the right to train, compete, and receive support by staying enrolled in school, maintaining grades, and working toward graduation.
Commitment
Sign the commitment
Every player and family signs a written commitment: stay enrolled in school, maintain a 70%+ grade average, and show up consistently. No exceptions.
Accountability
Grades earn game time
Our local staff — Ulises, Bernarda, and Rosa — track attendance and grades weekly. School comes first. If grades slip, practice stops until they recover.
Future
Graduate. Then dream big.
A high school diploma opens doors baseball alone never could. If baseball creates an opportunity, we support it. If not, players still have education, confidence, and a path forward.
Proof of Impact
The model is working.
Every player in our program is enrolled in school and maintaining grades. That is the standard. Baseball is the reward, but education is the win.
Enrolled in School
Every The Straley Project player stays connected to education.
Maintaining Grades
The classroom standard is part of earning the right to play.
Dropouts
The goal is simple: keep every player moving toward graduation.
Teams
High school, middle school, and T-ball players growing in one system.
Our Programs
Three teams. One standard.
From T-ball to high school, every team is built around the same promise: baseball is earned through school, effort, and accountability.
View All ProgramsHigh School Team
Our flagship program for teens 14–18. Players receive year-round competitive baseball, mentorship, academic accountability, and support to stay on track for graduation.
Middle School Team
Building habits before the pressure gets heavier. Players ages 10–13 learn baseball fundamentals while developing discipline, school routines, and confidence.
T-Ball (Ages 5–9)
Where it all begins. Young kids learn the joy of baseball, teamwork, showing up, listening to coaches, and becoming part of something bigger than themselves.
On the Ground
Real kids. Real impact.
These are the players your support helps keep in school, on the field, and surrounded by mentors who show up every week.
Watch & Listen
Stories from Barahona
Real voices. Real impact. Hear from the players, families, and community who live this mission every day.
From the Community
Heard on the ground
“Before The Straley Project, I was thinking about dropping out. Now I'm on the team and my grades are the best they've ever been. Baseball made me take school seriously.”
The Straley Project Player
High School Team, Barahona
“As a parent, I was worried my son would chase baseball and forget his studies. This program changed everything. He goes to school every day and comes home talking about both.”
Parent of a Player
Barahona, Dominican Republic
“I've seen a lot of baseball programs in the DR. This one is different. They actually check grades. They actually care if the kids graduate. That's rare.”
Community Member
Barahona, Dominican Republic
Quotes reflect real sentiments shared by players, parents, and community members in Barahona. Names withheld to protect privacy.
Get Involved
Ways to give
Whether you give monthly, sponsor a player, volunteer your skills, or donate gear — every action keeps a Dominican kid in school.
Monthly Giving
Join The Dugout
Become a monthly supporter and give these kids the stability they need. As little as $15/month keeps a player in school and on the field all year long.
Join Monthly →One-Time or Recurring
Sponsor a Player
Make a direct gift to fund a player's season — uniforms, equipment, coaching, and academic support. Every dollar goes straight to Barahona.
Sponsor Now →Give Your Time & Skills
Volunteer
Coach, tutor, photograph, fundraise, or coordinate camps. We're a small team doing big things — and there's a real place for you here, remote or in-person.
Volunteer With Us →Monthly Giving
Join The Dugout
Your recurring gift gives us the stability to show up for these kids all year long. 100% goes directly to programs in Barahona.
Keep a Player in Class
Covers school supplies and part of a player's academic support so they stay focused in the classroom.
Sponsor NowPower a Full Season
Supports uniforms, shared equipment, and field time for one player in our Piratas del Sur program.
Sponsor NowBack a Whole Team
Funds coaching, mentoring, and academic tracking for multiple players across our three teams.
Sponsor NowChampion Level
Provides comprehensive support including staff wages, equipment, and expansion to serve kids on the waitlist.
Sponsor NowAll donations are tax-deductible. EIN: 85-0947825
Stay Connected
Get Updates from Barahona
Monthly impact stories, game results, and field reports — straight to your inbox. No spam. Just real stories from real kids.
Get updates from Barahona
Monthly impact stories, program updates, and field reports — straight to your inbox.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
Why You Can Trust Us
Your donation, fully accounted for.
of donations go to DR
Zero US overhead taken from donations
Dominican staff run the program
Ulises, Bernarda & Rosa are on the ground daily
of community trust in Barahona
Founded on relationships built since 1998
Girls' Softball
is Coming
Education-first isn't just for boys. In 2026, The Straley Project is launching a girls' softball program with the same non-negotiable academic standards. Every girl will earn her spot on the team by staying in school and keeping her grades up.
Latest Posts
Follow Along
Every follow, share, and comment helps more people discover The Straley Project and keeps more kids connected to school.
Follow the story from Barahona and help us reach the next donor, sponsor, or volunteer.
Help the Mission Travel
Your share can introduce one more person to the kids in Barahona.
Social media helps us reach new donors, sponsors, camp families, and volunteers. When you follow or share The Straley Project, you help the story move further than we could take it alone.
Common Questions
The Straley Project FAQ
Quick answers for donors, sponsors, volunteers, and anyone learning how baseball helps keep kids in school in Barahona.
What is The Straley Project?
The Straley Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving youth in Barahona, Dominican Republic. We use free baseball training, coaching, mentorship, and education-first accountability to help kids stay in school and build a future beyond the field.
Where does The Straley Project work?
The Straley Project works in Barahona, Dominican Republic, where local Dominican staff support players through baseball, school accountability, mentorship, equipment, and year-round program structure.
How does baseball help kids stay in school?
Players earn the right to train, compete, and receive support by staying enrolled in school, maintaining grades, and showing up consistently. Baseball is the incentive, but education is the requirement.
Is The Straley Project a registered nonprofit?
Yes. The Straley Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. EIN: 85-0947825.
Where do donations go?
Donations support the program in the Dominican Republic, including equipment, uniforms, coaching, mentorship, school accountability, meals, transportation, and player development.
Can companies sponsor The Straley Project?
Yes. Businesses can become corporate sponsors and support youth baseball, education, and community development in Barahona. Sponsorship opportunities include brand visibility, program support, and community impact.