Mission:
To use baseball, softball, and the power of team sports to provide inner-city youth with the opportunity to play, learn, and grow, while inspiring them to recognize their potential and realize their dreams.

About the Organization:
Harlem RBI was founded in 1991 after volunteers transformed an abandoned East Harlem lot into two baseball diamonds and began to sponsor teams comprised of local youth. The organization now provides year-round sports and development programming for approximately 650 kids between the ages of 7 and 18 with the goal of combating teenage pregnancy, gang membership, and drug and alcohol abuse in Harlem neighborhoods. In 2002, Harlem RBI received a long-term license from the City of New York to rebuild and maintain its Field of Dreams. The field was re-opened in 2005 with a new irrigation system, dugouts, a batting cage, and "Success Gardens," where all Harlem RBI graduates are commemorated.

Current Programs:
Harlem RBI works to boost the literacy, social and emotional skills, and physical health of kids age 7 to 12 through its Rookie League and REAL Kids Summer and After-School programs. For older youth, the organization offers the TeamBuilders, TeamWorks, and DreamWorks programs, through which students receive academic support and enrichment, high school and college placement assistance, SAT preparation, and help with resume writing and interviewing. Older youth also participate in project-based learning activities, community-service projects, and field trips, and can play on either a junior or senior league team. In addition, the organization helped launch the DREAM Charter School, which will open in September 2008 to serve underserved K-8 students in East Harlem.

Web Site:
The Harlem RBI Web site includes information on each of its programs and teams, its strategic plan, and how to donate. The site also features several videos, a newsletter, and a list of the awards the organization has received.

Funding:
Harlem RBI receives funding from foundations, corporations, and individuals.