First Step - Join The Movement
Donation protected
First Step Youth Foundation is a nonprofit organization formed in 2001 because we were interested in and dedicated to the youth. Our goal in forming the organization was to assist in the physical, psychological, educational, social and spiritual development of young student athletes.
First Step is an extension of family. It is not just an athletic program, it's an educational program and a social program. Our commitment is to provide individuals from various economic backgrounds with the necessary tools to become positive citizens.
After nine fruitful years of excellence (2000-2009), co-founders John Batson and Corey Harper began revisiting the proposed idea of bringing First Step back after seeing the level and consistency of the violence plaguing the city of Chicago, grow each and every month. This fact coupled with the sheer determination and tenacity of past First Step players, the process of reemerging as not only a basketball powerhouse but also a sanctuary for young student athletes began once again.
Now in 2015 with just shy of fifteen years of experience, hardships, success, and fortitude, First Step is back and ready to tackle the issue of violence within the city through education and athletics. The first step in this process is to make the youth mentally aware of their potential by not allowing them to limit themselves to just basketball but introducing them to careers around the globe. To do this, First Step has called upon their alum whom boast careers not only in the NBA and Euro-Leagues but also in Medicine, Law, Culinary, Engineering, Schooling, Banking, and the Arts to name a few. Upon the youth understanding there is no ceiling to their potential as well as receiving first-hand knowledge/mentorship from alum who once walked in their shoes, many who too are from their very same neighborhoods, the issue at hand will begin to dwindle.
The reemergence of First Step is vital and we as an organization are ready. We take solace in the fact that we have traveled this road before and succeeded beyond even our own expectations.
Our purpose is evident. Our mission is clear. Our success is proven.
Join the movement.
First Step is an extension of family. It is not just an athletic program, it's an educational program and a social program. Our commitment is to provide individuals from various economic backgrounds with the necessary tools to become positive citizens.
After nine fruitful years of excellence (2000-2009), co-founders John Batson and Corey Harper began revisiting the proposed idea of bringing First Step back after seeing the level and consistency of the violence plaguing the city of Chicago, grow each and every month. This fact coupled with the sheer determination and tenacity of past First Step players, the process of reemerging as not only a basketball powerhouse but also a sanctuary for young student athletes began once again.
Now in 2015 with just shy of fifteen years of experience, hardships, success, and fortitude, First Step is back and ready to tackle the issue of violence within the city through education and athletics. The first step in this process is to make the youth mentally aware of their potential by not allowing them to limit themselves to just basketball but introducing them to careers around the globe. To do this, First Step has called upon their alum whom boast careers not only in the NBA and Euro-Leagues but also in Medicine, Law, Culinary, Engineering, Schooling, Banking, and the Arts to name a few. Upon the youth understanding there is no ceiling to their potential as well as receiving first-hand knowledge/mentorship from alum who once walked in their shoes, many who too are from their very same neighborhoods, the issue at hand will begin to dwindle.
The reemergence of First Step is vital and we as an organization are ready. We take solace in the fact that we have traveled this road before and succeeded beyond even our own expectations.
Our purpose is evident. Our mission is clear. Our success is proven.
Join the movement.
Organizer
John Batson
Organizer
Chicago, IL
