Program Description
The BASE was founded in 2013 to shift the national mindset and re-imagine pathways to success for urban youth. The BASE’s distinctive methodology leverages sports to engage 6-to-19-year-olds in a positive, rigorous, and success-driven culture. We expect every student athlete to graduate high school equipped with a winning game plan for life. The BASE currently engages over 1,500 young people annually and, since its founding, has sent over 250 student athletes to college. Most them are the first in their family to go to college, and face myriad cultural and financial challenges as they navigate their way towards graduation.
With significant support provided by the Ilene Beal Charitable Foundation, The BASE is able to provide critical assistance to student athletes – covering expenses that are not included in their financial aid packages, which can make the difference between staying in school or dropping out. Examples include last-dollar financial aid to close gaps in tuition assistance, funds to travel to or from college during holiday breaks to get support from family and The BASE. In 2018, all 62 student athletes who matriculated to college received special care packages with essential items that all student need to get started at school but put a financial strain on their families: a laptop, blankets, sheets, and other items for their dorm room. In addition, The BASE has been able to underwrite the cost of course books for the 15 students attending The BASE Freshman Year program, offered on-site by the Urban College of Boston, where student earn a full year of college credit.
We believe The BASE student athletes are bringing to life the values that guided Ilene Beal in her life – the importance of determination, hard work, and breaking barriers as they strive to achieve their own goals while serving as role models for the next generation following in their footsteps.
With significant support provided by the Ilene Beal Charitable Foundation, The BASE is able to provide critical assistance to student athletes – covering expenses that are not included in their financial aid packages, which can make the difference between staying in school or dropping out. Examples include last-dollar financial aid to close gaps in tuition assistance, funds to travel to or from college during holiday breaks to get support from family and The BASE. In 2018, all 62 student athletes who matriculated to college received special care packages with essential items that all student need to get started at school but put a financial strain on their families: a laptop, blankets, sheets, and other items for their dorm room. In addition, The BASE has been able to underwrite the cost of course books for the 15 students attending The BASE Freshman Year program, offered on-site by the Urban College of Boston, where student earn a full year of college credit.
We believe The BASE student athletes are bringing to life the values that guided Ilene Beal in her life – the importance of determination, hard work, and breaking barriers as they strive to achieve their own goals while serving as role models for the next generation following in their footsteps.