Swappow Plus Foundation

The Swappow Plus Foundation is a US nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Arizona foster youth through skateboarding and life-skills programming. The foundation was established as an offshoot of the +swappow platform, which aimed to promote action sports among underserved children.

Mission and Purpose

The mission of the Swappow Plus Foundation is to encourage and empower Arizona foster youth to recognize their potential and prepare for a fulfilling life by providing opportunities for personal and professional development. This is achieved through live skateboarding workshops and comprehensive curricula that teach valuable life lessons, enhance confidence, and promote self-esteem[3][4].

Programs

The foundation offers a tiered program structure designed to support youth from ages 6 to 21, providing a multi-year journey of personal and professional growth. The tiers include:

• Tier 1: Skateboard Workshop
  Offers one-time and three-day workshops focusing on goal-setting and intrinsic motivation. Participants receive skateboards, protective gear, and one-on-one coaching.

• Tier 2: Personal Development
  A 12-week program using skateboarding to impart life lessons, enhance confidence, and recognize potential. Participants receive online curriculum access, a skateboard, protective gear, and coaching.

• Tier 3: Professional Development
  Focuses on teaching business and marketing skills related to the skateboard industry. This program allows participants to develop skills needed to create their own brands and sell products online[4].

Initiatives and Collaborations

The Swappow Plus Foundation has collaborated with various organizations to enhance its programming. For example, it integrated a build-a-skateboard component using Roarockit technology, which not only allowed participants to create high-quality skateboards but also taught valuable skills in design and manufacturing[2]. The foundation also developed a 12-week virtual skating academy during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on both skateboarding lessons and essential life skills like resilience and self-motivation[1][2].

Impact and Reach

Since its inception, the Swappow Plus Foundation has distributed over 1,500 skateboards to foster youth, aiming to provide both physical tools and life lessons to empower them. The organization works closely with community partners and supporters to ensure its programs reach those in need across Arizona[1][3].

Founders and Leadership

The foundation was founded by Joe Dunnigan, who has been involved in the skateboarding industry for decades. Michael Shapiro serves as the Executive Director, bringing extensive experience in mentoring through skateboarding and education[2][3].

[1] https://news.gcu.edu/gcu-news/skateboarding-nonprofit-flips-for-foster-children/ [2] http://www.thinairpress.com/blog/teacher-profile-swappow [3] https://swappowplus.org/about-us [4] https://swappowplus.org/our-programs [5] https://gopro.com/es/us/news/swappow-plus-community-for-foster-children