Books Over Balls

Overview

Books Over Balls is a United States-based non-profit organization that focuses on empowering young people through STEM education, mentoring, and violence prevention. The organization uses basketball as a platform to engage youth and provide them with life skills and academic support.

Mission and Strategy

Books Over Balls aims to create a supportive environment where young people can learn, grow, and connect. The organization offers a variety of programs designed to help youth succeed academically, personally, and professionally. These programs include:

• STEM Education: The organization provides STEM programs to develop essential skills for success in modern economies.
• Mentoring: Offers guidance and support through mentorship initiatives.
• Academic Support: Includes tutoring, homework help, and college counseling.
• Life Skills Development: Focuses on character development, goal setting, time management, conflict resolution, stress management, and healthy living.
• Sports: Provides opportunities for youth to participate in basketball leagues and camps.
• Community Service: Encourages youth involvement in volunteer activities to foster community engagement.

Programs and Initiatives

Books Over Balls offers several key programs:

• STEM Center Business Incubator: An initiative aimed at providing young entrepreneurs with resources and support to start and grow businesses, promoting economic equity.
• Preventive Wellness and Mental Health Awareness Initiative: Raises awareness about mental health, offering education, support groups, and counseling to improve mental well-being.
• Workforce Development Initiative: Prepares youth for the workforce by partnering with employers, providing internships, career counseling, and networking opportunities.
• Youth Ambassador Initiative: Trains and empowers young leaders to plan community service projects, serving as role models for younger peers.

Partnerships

Books Over Balls collaborates with various organizations to enhance its impact. Notable partnerships include the Family Learning Company and Ice Cube’s Big3, focusing on providing educational resources and basketball camps to underserved communities.

Impact

Since its inception, Books Over Balls has served over 1,000 young people, contributing significantly to their personal and academic development. The organization's long-term goal is to expand its reach and develop new programs to meet evolving needs.

Future Plans

Books Over Balls is committed to expanding services, developing new initiatives, and collaborating with additional organizations to create a more supportive environment for youth. The organization continues to rely on donations and volunteer support to achieve its objectives.