Take me out to the ball game...

This summer I was given the opportunity to work at Circle writing grants. In my search to bring in funding for the different programs, I found that foundations give away more than just money, but other gifts as well. For example, the Cubs foundation reserves tickets to give away to different non-profit organizations every season and this August, College Readiness received 35 tickets to watch the Cubs play the Padres.

HOW EXCITING! (For two reasons) First, grant writing is a long process because the time between submitting a proposal and receiving a response is about 6 months. So it was a really joy to see fruits from my labor in just 2 months. Second, the College Readiness scholars had a common experience to grow closer together.



If you’ve ever been to a ball game you’ll be able to relate to the exciting feeling of walking in the gates and seeing everyone dressed in home team colors, banners of the players hanging from the ceiling, the smell of hot dogs in the air, and wondering if a foul tip will land in your section. This is why a baseball game is more enjoyable when you’re at the park rather than your recliner at home.

The College Readiness crew arrived for the game and smiles cannot be contained. Some have done this before, but for others, this is their first time to see the great Major Leagues. The game itself is certainly awesome, but I think what effects the lives of these scholars more, are the relationships that are being formed. The game is great, but eventually it will come to an end. The friendships that are forming, however, will not, because they will continue into school and the CR program. The staff, Dan and Tony, aren’t heading for the locker room at end of the game, but they will be driving home with them, teaching them the next day, and loving them all the while.

The ball game is not the end, but merely the means to a greater end: developing healthy relationships that encourage these middle school and high school students to pursue a college education. As Dan and Tony give the scholars advice and guidance on what to do with their lives, a trusting relationship between the staff and students is necessary if any direction given is going to be received. The ball game provided another opportunity for this type of relationship to develop this summer.

The Cubs lost that day, 1-5, but I bet if you asked anyone there from College Readiness, they’d probably tell you more about the experience than the score.