When does the Empower Softball program launch?

Empower Softball is launching in 2026 in Barahona, Dominican Republic. It will expand Empower Baseball's education-first model to girls in the program.

Why does Empower Baseball run a girls softball program?

Girls in the Dominican Republic face high dropout rates. Empower Softball uses the sport as a hook to keep girls enrolled in school and on track to graduate, the same model used in the boys baseball program.

How can I support the Empower Softball program?

You can sponsor the softball season through monthly or one-time donations. Sponsorship tiers start at a general gift level and go up to $1,000/month for a Monthly Team Sponsor. Visit empowerbaseball.org/softball/ to give.

What does a university scholarship cost for a Dominican student?

A university scholarship for a Dominican student costs $1,000 per year at a 4-year Dominican university.

The Dugout is Empower Baseball's monthly giving community. Donors give a recurring monthly gift that directly funds the baseball and education program for youth in Barahona, Dominican Republic.

How much does it cost per student per month?

It costs approximately $14.50 per student per month to run the Empower Baseball program.

What is the annual program budget?

The approximate annual program budget is $8,000, supporting 46 student-athletes.

What is the high school completion rate?

Empower Baseball maintains a 100% graduation rate among its student-athletes, compared to only about 1 in 3 Dominican adults who complete upper-secondary education.

THE STRALEY PROJECT | BARAHONA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Who Takes Care of the Kids When the Baseball Dream Ends?

In the Dominican Republic, baseball can offer a path to a better life. Boys begin chasing professional contracts while they’re still young—sometimes putting school aside to train full time.

Most will never build a career in professional baseball. When baseball ends, too many are left without a diploma, job skills or another plan.

Who takes care of the majority of dominican youth that don’t make a MLB roster?

WE DO

The Straley Project helps young Dominican players chase their baseball dreams without sacrificing their education.

THE PROBLEM

They Shouldn't Have to Choose Between Baseball and Education

In the Dominican Republic, many children abandon school, believing baseball is their only way out of poverty. But with dropout rates in rural areas twice as high as in cities, and 98% of young players never signing a professional contract, the reality is harsh.

Without education, they are left without options, continuing the cycle of poverty.

Our Mission

The Straley Project is more than just a program—it’s a movement to change the system from within. We’re setting the bar higher, and with your help, we can make real, lasting change in the lives of Dominican youth.

Our mission is to be part of the new generation of kids in the Dominican Republic who are educated first and trained in baseball second.

What We Do

Give Them Both Paths

A young player shouldn’t have to choose between taking baseball seriously and getting an education.

The Straley Project is building a baseball program in Barahona where they can do both.

We provide organized teams, Dominican coaches, equipment, regular practices, games and player development—while keeping education part of the program.

Our players can chase the baseball dream. They just can’t abandon their education to do it.

And we’re building the support around them—academic help, mentorship, technology and preparation for opportunities beyond baseball.

If baseball takes them somewhere, we help them chase it.

If it doesn’t, they still have a path forward.

Our Accomplishments

This Isn't Just an Idea.

The Straley Project has been working with young players in Barahona since 2020. What started with one baseball program has grown to three teams serving more than 60 young people.

We’ve provided uniforms, gloves, bats and other equipment, along with organized practices, games and coaching.

Off the field, we’ve provided school supplies and technology, clean drinking water, and strength-training opportunities for older players.

Most importantly, our players continue their education while continuing to play baseball.

See Our Impact

60+ PLAYERS SERVED
3 TEAMS IN 3 AGE DIVISIONS
5 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
4 RBI DOMINICANA PLAYERS SELECTED
YEAR-ROUND ORGANIZED BASEBALL PROGRAM
COACHES, UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT FUNDED
PARTICIPATING IN BARAHONA CITY LEAGUE
3 DOMINICAN STAFF MEMBERS
REGISTERED DOMINICAN NONPROFIT
OFFICE AT ESTADIO NADÍN J. HAZOURY

Get Involved

There's More Than One Way to Help

You don't have to live in the Dominican Republic to be part of what we're building in Barahona.

Donate to help fund the coaches, equipment, education support and everyday costs that keep the program running.

Volunteer your time or skills in the Dominican Republic or from home.

Sponsor The Straley Project through your business and help us build the program for the long term.

Follow & Share our work on social media. Sharing a player story, post or video helps more people discover what we’re doing.

Stay Connected by joining our email list for stories from Barahona, program updates and ways to help.

DONATE | FOLLOW US | JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

Testimonials

The Straley Project is giving me the opportunity to play baseball and fulfill my dreams

Julio Zenon

Player

The Straley Project is teaching the kids that there are other ways to be successful. Baseball is still their dream but we can do 2 things at once!

Ulises Batista

Head Coach

Thanks to The Straley Project I can play baseball with a league for free, all they ask me to do is go to school and get good grades. Its great!

Angel Mendez

Player