South Bronx United (SBU) is a nonprofit youth development organization with a mission of using soccer as a tool to uplift youth and families in the South Bronx. More than 1,900 young people--beginning at age two and all the way through young adults navigating college and careers--will have participated in programs this year in the classroom, on the soccer field, and in the community.

Founded in 2009, the organization's programs have grown in scope combining academic enrichment, college prep, mentoring, leadership development, health and wellness programs, immigration legal services, and other youth and family services with soccer programs. The organization's core program, the SBU Academy, has a 100% high school graduation rate and 94% college matriculation rate. College-readiness rates of graduates are three-times the rate of their peers.

In recent years, SBU has expanded the range of its programs to reflect the evolving needs of the South Bronx community. The Workforce Development Program helps participants build job skills, cultivate potential careers, and secure long-term employment through weekly workshops and on-the-job training. Fellowships in the program include working as a barista at SBU’s Clubhouse Cafe, coaching youth as part of the Coaching Corps, and tutoring in the classroom through the new teaching track. Last fall, SBU also launched a Civic and Voter Engagement initiative with CUNY and the NY Campaign Finance Board, aimed at increasing the low voter participation rates in the South Bronx.

South Bronx United's impact is significant and its mission is very dear to me. I hope you will consider making a donation to support the campaign and help me reach my goal!  I appreciate support in any amount! Together we can make a difference!