LEGACY

“the long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life”

Discover how we're redefining legacy in the Black community. We believe in honoring our past while forging a brighter future.

Off the Bench Youth Development

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Off the Bench Youth Development is a flagship initiative of the Blacklining Foundation designed to help youth step into their power—physically, mentally, and professionally. Serving young people ages 11 to 24, our program uses sports as a gateway to deliver life-changing opportunities in wellness, financial literacy, and career exploration.

While many programs focus only on athletic performance, Off the Bench goes deeper. We expose students to careers behind the scenes in the sports world—like athletic training, sports medicine, marketing, journalism, and nutrition. Through hands-on learning, guest speakers, mentorships, and real-world field trips, we equip youth with the tools to build healthy habits and long-term success.

Our summer and school-year programming is built to meet students where they are. Whether they're passionate about sports or simply looking for structure, our goal is to create a pipeline of diverse professionals who can thrive in any arena—on the court, behind the camera, or in the boardroom.

The program was piloted in NYC with a focus on basketball due to available partnerships but is expanding to include underrepresented sports like tennis, lacrosse, and soccer, ensuring more youth see themselves represented in all aspects of sports and wellness.

Click here to learn more about Off the Bench and get involved.