STREETS PHILADELPHIA THE ANNUAL REPOR BEAT the T 2023–2024 STREETS PHILADELPHIA BEAT the STREETS PHILADELPHIA
2 3 4 5 Message from the Board Chair 4 Message from the Executive Director 6 Our Mission 8 Year in Review 9 Program Overview 10 Wrestling Program Mentoring Program The Convergence of Mentoring and Wrestling at “The Office” CONTENTS Program Map 2 6 Student Success Ron Cordero - Drexel Liberty Scholar 12 Julissa and Samiya Blazing a path for Women in PIAA 7 Philly Ecosystem Collaboration CJ Composto - Resilient Leader 16 Kaya Sement - Dedicated Mentor 8 9 10 Financial Overview 20 Fundraising and Donor Acknowledgments 22 Level Up Million Dollar Matching Gift - Ira Lubert Board of Directors 26 3
THE BOARD CHAIR HOPE 4 POTENTIAL Clinton Matter CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD + GRIT = POTENTIAL + RESOURCES PLANNING & TIME = POSITIVELY ALTERING LIFE’S TRAJECTORY While there is no shortage of hope and grit in the youth across the city of Philadelphia, given the very real daily challenges that they are forced to confront, the potential that lies within goes unrealized far too often. That dormant potential requires a catalyst. Since the inception of Beat the Streets Philadelphia in 2007, our goal has been to unleash that potential by providing strategic resources in a thoughtful and sustainable manner. In helping to unleash that previously untapped potential, BTSP is helping to Positively Alter Life’s Trajectory – one studentathlete at a time. O UR MI SS I O N : PO S I T I V E LY A LT ER I N G LI FE ’S T RA J E C TO RY Hope is a simple yet incredibly powerful emotion. Hoping for something better is embedded in our human nature and has always served as one of the necessary pre-conditions for any real progress. Grit is perseverance, courage, commitment, resolve, resilience and passion to work towards that progress. Combining hope with grit creates potential. P ROV I D I N G T H AT C ATA LYS T: R E S O U RC E S , P LANNING & T IM E : Now in our 17th year, our organizational plan is working. Coupling the hope and grit so naturally ingrained in our studentathletes with strategic resources, careful planning and time is leading to truly exceptional outcomes. During the 2024 academic year, BTSP had more than 1,150 student-athletes across 27 programs – surpassing our prepandemic levels. Our mentoring program has expanded and now serves more than 100 participants who received 2,700+ hours of critical guidance. We are seeing our student athletes succeed on the mats across all levels of competition and in the classroom with notable improvement in their GPA’s and grade advancement rates. We have an extremely dedicated staff of talented professionals and coaches who are committed to unlocking that latent potential and helping those hopes and dreams be transformed into realities. LOOKING PROSPECTIVELY: OPPORTUNITIES O N T HE HOR I ZO N As we look back with gratitude, we look forward with a focus on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Expanding our mentoring center (aka our “Office”) during the pandemic has proven to be a very good strategic decision as it enabled BTSP to meaningfully improve our programming while helping us to better understand the true benefits of a co-located wrestling and mentoring facility. That improved understanding offers clear opportunities to thoughtfully grow and strengthen our programming in the years ahead. Through the ongoing generosity of our donors, we believe we are well positioned to capitalize upon those opportunities that we see so clearly on the horizon. On behalf of the BTSP Board of Directors, I would like to thank all of our donors, programming partners, administrators, teachers, coaches, parents, executive staff and student-athletes who are so passionately committed to our shared mission. Together, we strive to Positively Alter Life’s Trajectory. In doing so, we are changing the world for the better one student-athlete at a time. T HAT IS W O RTHY O F TRUE CE LE BR ATI O N. Clinton Matter, BTSP Chairman of the Board While very real challenges remain, BTSP has a lot to be grateful for as we celebrate our student-athletes and their well-earned victories over the past year. 5
James Mangan MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 6 This year, BTSP not only sustained programming at all partner locations but also expanded our services significantly. Our “office “ experienced a phenomenal increase in programming hours and participant engagement, growing by more than 100% year over year. This expansion is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the potential of our young athletes. A transformative moment for us was the generous million-dollar matching gift from Ira Lubert, which has been instrumental in leveraging our existing infrastructure and building a financial sustainability fund for our future endeavors. This generosity has not only bolstered our current programs but also laid a strong foundation for future growth. GR AT IT U DE A ND ACKNO W LE D GM E NT This year’s success would not have been possible without the monumental support from our donors and partners, particularly Ira Lubert, whose million-dollar match has been a game-changer for our organization. This generosity has not only supported our current programs but has also set the stage for our future growth and sustainability. AD D R E SS ING C HALLE NGE S D E A R FRI E N D S , S UPPO RT E RS , A N D C O MMUN I T Y ME MBE RS , As we reflect on the past year at Beat the Streets Wrestling Program Philadelphia (BTSP), I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. Despite the challenges, this year has been marked by remarkable achievements and inspiring stories of resilience and success. Philadelphia continues to face challenges with crime and poverty, particularly affecting our youth. In response, we have expanded participation and increased program hours, offering a safe and constructive environment for young people. Our Mentoring Center, a cornerstone of our deepest impact work, has expanded in square footage, enabling us to cohabitate wrestling and mentoring under one roof. This expansion is crucial in our fight to provide a positive trajectory for our youth. LO O K ING A HE A D IM PAC T O N IND IV ID UALS AND C O M M U NIT Y In closing, I extend my deepest thanks to each of you – our supporters, volunteers, staff, and, most importantly, our dedicated athletes. Your belief in our mission and your unwavering support continue to inspire us every day. The stories of our participants speak volumes about the impact of BTSP. We celebrate the post-secondary success of Ron Cordero, a Drexel Liberty Scholarship recipient. Luis DeSilva and Julissa Ortiz’s achievements as all-Americans at Fargo Nationals exemplify the heights our athletes can reach. Moreover, the significant improvement in GPA among our high school mentees, with all participants maintaining above a 3.0 GPA, starkly contrasts with the broader challenges faced by Philadelphia public school students. Michael Holmes’ full scholarship to West Nottingham Academy and his qualification for the National Prep Championship as a freshman further highlight the transformative power of our programs. As we move forward, our primary goal is to secure the full match from Ira Lubert, which will fuel our short-term growth initiatives and position us for a future capital campaign. We aim to maximize our current capacity utilization while exploring growth through additional community center partnerships. Our focus remains steadfast on empowering more youth through our unique blend of wrestling and mentoring, creating a lasting impact on their lives and the community at large. Together, we look forward to another year of growth, impact, and positive change. W IT H HE ARTF E LT THA NKS James Mangan, Executive Director 7
sports-based youth development nonprofit that is committed to fostering the holistic growth of studentathletes living in at-risk under-served communities. BTSP implements mentoring, academic support, and wrestling programs throughout the greater Philadelphia region as vehicles to ‘Positively Alter Life’s Trajectory.’ YEAR IN REVIEW PART IC IPAT ION BY YEAR 1200 1017 1000 OUR MISSION 8 The ability to persevere with passion in the face of adversity To understand & empathize with the struggle of others SERVICE The belief that everyone has the power & responsibility to create change 2022-23 846 175* PRE BTSP 0 COMPASSION 2021-22 1152 600 200 GRIT 1106 800 400 C O R E VALU E S 1083 2007-08 55* COVID-19 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2023-24 GENDER TEAM A diverse group of individuals working toward a common goal FEMALE 13.4% PREFER NOT TO ANSWER .3% R AC E/ET H NIC IT Y BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN 50.7% MALE 86.3% TWO OR MORE RACES 6.3% AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKA NATIVE .3% HISPANIC/LATINO 14.7% OTHER 3.7% ASIAN 6.9% WHITE/NON-HISPANIC 17.4% 9
PROGRAM MENTORING PROGRAM S T RUC T URE A N D I M PAC T: O P E R AT IO NS AND GOALS : AC HIE V E ME NTS A ND STATI STI CS: Beat the Streets Wrestling Program Philadelphia (BTSP) operates an expansive wrestling program encompassing 30 youth clubs, middle schools, and high schools across the greater Philadelphia area. This program is meticulously structured to cater to various age groups and skill levels, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to wrestling training. The Mentoring Center, a cornerstone of BTSP, operates with the aim of providing holistic support to young athletes. Located centrally, the center offers an array of services including academic assistance, career guidance, and personal mentoring. The program pairs youth with mentors who are often student-athletes from local universities, fostering a relatable and impactful mentoring relationship. The success of our Mentoring Program is reflected in the notable academic achievements of its participants. A significant highlight is the fact that 99% of our mentees advanced in their grade level or graduated – a remarkable achievement compared to the city average. This statistic underscores the effectiveness of our mentoring approach in not only supporting but significantly advancing the academic pursuits of our participants. Each participating location is equipped with dedicated coaches and staff who focus not only on wrestling techniques but also on instilling values such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience. The impact of this program is evident in the significant improvement of athletic skills among participants, as well as in the development of strong character traits that transcend the sport. PROGRAM OVERVIEW LOC AT I ON S A N D RE AC H : 10 Our wrestling program operates in diverse communities, reaching out to a wide demographic of young athletes. The locations are strategically selected to ensure accessibility and maximum participation. This widespread presence underscores BTSP’s commitment to making wrestling an accessible and beneficial sport for youth in various neighborhoods. The reach of our program extends beyond physical training; it fosters a sense of community and belonging among the participants, creating a positive and supportive environment for young athletes to thrive. THE CONVERGENCE OF MENTORING & WRESTLING AT “THE OFFICE” Furthermore, the personal growth and development observed in the mentees have been equally impressive. The program has witnessed numerous instances where participants have shown marked improvements in their confidence, social skills, and overall personal development. HOUSEHOLD INCOME $0-22K BTSP LOCATIONS 11
STUDENT SUCCESS DREXEL LIBERTY SCHOLAR 12 12 Ron Cordero has always been a good student. In high school, he maintained a grade point average that ranged from 3.3 to 3.7. According to Ron, although his time management has not been one of his best qualities, he’s been consistent with his school work. “I try my best in every class,” he said. “I respect my teachers and they respect me.” In addition to attending Central High School where he was a successful student-athlete, he’s been working 11 hour shifts at a restaurant in downtown Philadelphia to make ends meet. Ron’s the middle child in a family of five which includes his mom, dad, and two brothers. The Cordero Family are native to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. They moved to the United States when Ron was just 8 years old. With no beds available, they slept on the floor of a family member’s apartment in New York City before eventually moving to Philadelphia. The recently graduated Beat The Streets Philadelphia student-athlete is a recipient of Drexel University’s Liberty Scholarship. For over ten years, the Drexel Liberty Scholars program has provided educational opportunities for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Designed to break down barriers to higher education, the scholarship program covers 100% of tuition and fees. Ron admits that he never would have considered attending a prestigious school such as Drexel had he not been involved with Beat The Streets. “Coach Rick (Rick Mascino) told me about the Liberty Scholarship,” says Cordero. “One of my high school friends, Boobie (Abubakare Diaby) won the scholarship and wrestles for Drexel now.” He became involved with Beat the Streets during his freshman year of high school. Boobie and another friend, Max Cramer introduced him to the program. Ron was a football player with aspirations to learn a new sport hoping to get in better shape. “I wanted to learn more about wrestling but when I got here, I realized that the Penn and Drexel wrestlers were here as well.” There was more to the program than just wrestling. Ron first met Drexel student-athlete Evan Barczak. Described as “always positive and always helping”, Barczak would help instill qualities in Ron’s life that he hadn’t experienced before. “Evan was very prominent in my high school career,” says Cordero. Barczak, a recent graduate of Drexel and a multiple time NCAA National Qualifier, was a mentor and coach for Beat The Streets throughout his college career. As he learned more about the mentoring program at Beat The Streets, he eventually connected with Maximus Hale, a student-athlete at the University of Pennsylvania. They talked for over an hour the first time they met. “He’s a pretty nice dude,” says Cordero. They had a lot in common as Hale was also a two-sport athlete in high school. “I respect Max because he works hard. I got a little bit of me from Max.” Hale is an NCAA National Qualifier and USA Freestyle All-American. He’s been Ron’s mentor since they met. Meeting weekly and sometimes more, Hale and Cordero spent a lot of time together on and off the mat. Max encouraged Ron through the scholarship application process helping with his time management skills. “I struggled with time management myself,” says Hale. “I think we helped each other during this process.” A portion of the scholarship application involves writing an essay about something important to the applicant. Ron chose to write about food insecurity problems in the city. He realized, at a young age, how difficult it is to find healthy food options where he lives. As an athlete, this is important to Ron. “There’s a bunch of dollar stores with not very good food choices,” he says. “I did research and shared my thoughts. I hope that more people can learn about food deserts and other issues families face so we can help fix the problem.” Ron realizes he now has an opportunity that many like him do not have. “With Beat The Streets, I’m fortunate to have an ‘anchor’ in my life,” says Cordero. “I know a lot of people don’t have this.” Ron will be attending Drexel University this Fall without the burden of school loans and tuition bills. He’s enrolled in the health and medical preparatory program at the university. Ron hopes to eventually get a degree in medicine. “I just like helping people,” he says. “ WITH BEAT THE STREETS, I’M FORTUNATE TO HAVE AN ‘ANCHOR’ IN MY LIFE ” 13
BLAZING A 14 14 In the vibrant tapestry of women’s wrestling in Pennsylvania, the narratives of Samiyah Rahming and Julissa Ortiz stand as powerful symbols of inspiration and transformation. Their journeys are not only shaping the landscape of high school sports but are also contributing significantly to the broader movement for inclusivity and gender equality in the sport of wrestling. Samiyah Rahming, a determined sophomore at Northeast High School, has become a name synonymous with triumph on the wrestling mat. With over 40 wins in her high school career, Samiyah’s steadfast commitment to the sport is evident. As a proud member of the Vikings wrestling team, she not only showcases her skills and tenacity but serves as a role model for aspiring female wrestlers across Pennsylvania. Samiyah Rahming Julissa Ortiz, also a sophomore at Mariana Bracetti Academy, has been making waves with over 20 wins to her name. Her historic victory as the first female wrestler to clinch a Philadelphia Public League Championship last year shattered stereotypes and set the stage for others to follow. Julissa’s determination and skill are propelling a transformative shift in the perception of women’s wrestling. The success of Samiyah and Julissa is not achieved in isolation but is nurtured by the invaluable training and support from organizations like Beat the Streets Philly and the newly formed women’s training program at our Mentoring Center in West Philadelphia. These initiatives not only offer essential coaching and resources but also cultivate a sense of community and empowerment among female wrestlers, creating a bond on and off the mat. PAT H F O R W O M E N I N P I A A Forward-thinking high schools, such as Northeast High School and Mariana Bracetti Academy, have played a pivotal role in the growth of women’s wrestling. The establishment of girls’ wrestling teams in these schools acknowledges the talent and passion of female athletes, contributing to a broader movement of inclusivity and acceptance in sports. The collegiate level echoes this commitment, with universities and colleges in Pennsylvania recognizing the significance of women’s wrestling programs. By offering scholarships and creating opportunities for female wrestlers to excel, these institutions are actively contributing to the development of a skilled and competitive community of athletes. At the helm of this transformative movement is Angela Villani, the CEO of Mariana Bracetti Academy, a strong advocate for women’s wrestling. Her endorsement of the first program of its kind in the city reflects a commitment to providing equal opportunities for female athletes. Villani’s belief in nurturing every child’s abilities aligns seamlessly with the transformative power of women’s wrestling in Pennsylvania. Beat the Streets Philly, at the forefront of providing opportunities for young women in the city of Philadelphia, serves as a catalyst for the dreams of aspiring female wrestlers. By breaking down barriers and fostering an environment of inclusivity, organizations like these are instrumental in paving the way for a new era in the sport. Julissa Ortiz The stories of Samiyah Rahming and Julissa Ortiz transcend wrestling mats; they symbolize a broader acceptance and encouragement of women’s wrestling in Pennsylvania. As these remarkable athletes continue to break barriers and inspire the next generation, they are not just writing a new chapter in the history of wrestling but crafting a narrative marked by diversity, empowerment, and a resounding message that the sport belongs to everyone, regardless of gender. BEAT THE STREETS PHILADELPHIA AT THE FOREFRONT OF PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG WOMEN IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, SERVES AS A CATALYST FOR THE DREAMS OF ASPIRING FEMALE WRESTLERS 15
COLLABORATION The partnership between Penn Wrestling, Drexel Wrestling, Pennsylvania RTC, and Beat the Streets Philadelphia is a collaborative effort aimed at maximizing opportunities for young wrestlers in the Philadelphia area. 16 Beat the Streets Philadelphia (BTSP) serves as a grassroots organization that identifies young talent from diverse and underserved backgrounds in the city. Through its outreach programs and wrestling initiatives in schools and communities, Beat the Streets identifies promising athletes who show potential in wrestling. BTSP provides initial coaching, mentorship, and resources to help these athletes develop their skills. Access to training facilities, equipment, and educational support has been vital in ensuring their holistic development. Wrestlers who show exceptional promise and dedication may be referred to the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC) for more advanced training opportunities. The Pennsylvania RTC, affiliated with USA Wrestling, offers high-level coaching and training programs designed to prepare athletes for collegiate and international competition. Athletes who train at the PRTC must meet certain criteria for training opportunities. Penn Wrestling and Drexel Wrestling, as Division I collegiate programs in Philadelphia, play a crucial role in the partnership. They work closely with the Pennsylvania RTC and Beat the Streets Philadelphia providing coaching and mentoring to wrestlers from the local area. Both programs may offer support to incoming athletes, providing them with the opportunity to pursue higher education while continuing their wrestling careers. Although these opportunities may not be present at Drexel or Penn, the work the athletes put in will open doors to other schools and institutions. Even after wrestlers transition to collegiate programs, the partnership remains active. Penn Wrestling and Drexel Wrestling often collaborate with Beat the Streets Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania RTC to provide ongoing mentorship, coaching, and support to athletes. This includes summer training camps, workshops, and community engagement initiatives aimed at giving back to the wrestling community and nurturing the next generation of athletes. Throughout the partnership, there is a strong emphasis on community outreach and impact. Together, these organizations work to promote the sport of wrestling, inspire young athletes, and provide positive role models for the broader community. Through events, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns, they aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive both on and off the mats. By leveraging their respective strengths and resources, PENN WRESTLING CROSS-ORGANIZATION COLLABORATION BEAT THE STREETS PHILADELPHIA Identifies young talent from diverse and underserved backgrounds in the city who show potential in wrestling BTSP provides access to: coaching | mentorship | resources training facilities equipment | educational support Stand-out talent may be referred to the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center (PRTC) for more advanced training opportunities DREXEL WRESTLING PENNSYLVANIA RTC BEAT THE STREETS PHILADELPHIA create a comprehensive pathway for aspiring wrestlers, empowering them to reach their full potential and pursue their dreams. Penn Wrestling and Drexel Wrestling (Division I collegiate programs) provide coaching and mentoring to wrestlers as well as the opportunity to pursue higher education while continuing their wrestling careers The collaboration provides ongoing support to athletes, even after they transition to collegiate programs with mentoring and coaching, through initiatives such as summer training camps, workshops, and community outreach 17
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