A component of Little League® Baseball and Softball, the Little League Urban Initiative began in 1999 with programs in Los Angeles and Harlem, New York and expanded to other cities in 2000.
The Little League® Urban Initiative is now operating with more than 200 leagues in nearly 85 cities in the United States.
Through the 2014 Little League season, the Little League Urban Initiative has stimulated the participation of 4,000 teams, which equals out to approximately 52,000 players, and has participated in nearly thirty field renovation/development projects.
2018 Urban Initiative Jamborees
- April 20-22 - California Softball Jamboree - Richmond, Calif.
- April 27-29 - California Baseball Jamboree - San Diego, Calif.
- May 4-6 - Florida State Jamboree - Clearwater, Fla.
- May 18-20 - Georgia Jamboree - Decatur, Ga.
- May 18-20 - Texas State Baseball Jamboree - Houston, Texas
- June 8-10 - Texas State Softball Jamboree - Dallas, Texas
- June 8-10 - New York Metro Jamboree - Bronx, N.Y.
- June 29-July 1 - Central Region Jamboree - Indianapolis, Ind.
The Little League Urban Initiative program provides assistance packages for eligible leagues that aid the local volunteer group with equipment acquisition, capital improvement cash grants, field development and renovation, access to Little League Baseball and Softball Education and Training programs, advocacy, and networking.
American Honda Motor Company
Honda donates $100,000 annually to the Little League Urban Initiative to establish a cash grant program. Eligible leagues can apply for a cash grant ranging from $500-$5,000 for capital improvement projects.
Training and Education
For the past fifteen years the Little League Urban Initiative has promoted recruitment and retention for local leagues through Little League Training and Education programs. At various times throughout the year, Little League provides a variety of clinics at its five regional centers and at Little League International in Williamsport. The clinic topics include instruction for managers, coaches, umpires and league administrators, with emphasis on safety, child protection, and parent orientation. Any volunteer involved with a local Urban Initiative league can attend any of the clinics at no charge and receive resource materials free or at a reduced cost.
Networking/Advocacy
Because many of the Little League Urban Initiative leagues and independent organizations operating in these environments face the same problems, networking opportunities are crucial to the growth of a volunteer-based organization. Little League encourages mentoring relationships with other Urban Initiative leagues, working toward positive relationships with the appropriate municipal agencies, developing an assessment of their program’s budgetary needs and concerns, and compiling a list of funding opportunities in their communities.
For more information on the Little League Urban Initiative, contact:
Demiko Ervin, Director of the Urban Initiative Program
dervin@LittleLeague.org
Phone: 570-326-1921 ext.2245
Fax: 336-447-14940