Be A Part Of MO's Biggest Save!
In the United States, more than one in five children are living in poverty. The effects of poverty on children can cause a wide range of challenges for both children and their families. There are particularly negative outcomes related to educational attainment and income earned. Children who grow up impoverished complete fewer years of schooling and earn much lower incomes than those who did not grow up poor. Thirty percent of children raised in poverty do not finish high school. This inequity is even most pronounced among children of color as both Black and Hispanic students graduate high school at lower rates than the national average. Even more pronounced are the racial gaps in college graduation. Only 51.5% of Black and Hispanic students graduate college after six years, while the figure for white students stands at nearly 70%.
To respond to these inequities, we have focused first on our own community of New Rochelle, New York. In Westchester County, 86% of high school dropouts are Black and Hispanic, and only 18% of minority students are college-ready. In nearby New York City, children under 18 make up the largest percentage of those living below the poverty level. Students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds enter high school with an average literacy rate five years behind their peers from higher income families. This gap in preparedness has implications related to academic achievement, college readiness, and career opportunities that can resonate throughout a lifetime.
The Mariano Rivera Foundation has developed programs to address a clear need by equipping the students we serve with the skills and tools they need to be successful. At the core of our work is ensuring access to educational resources and skills training for students. Mentorship programs, life skills training, and sports activities provided by the Mariano Rivera Foundation help to shape well-rounded life-long learners. Through the Mariano & Clara Rivera Scholarship we open doors for students to reach their goals. The scholarship is designed to provide driven, socioeconomically disadvantaged students with an opportunity to pursue academic success. Beyond our student-oriented programmatic work, the Mariano Rivera Foundation also stands ready to help those in need recover from devastating disasters through our Relief Fund, restoring hope and dignity to those in need.
Foster Care Professional
"As a teenager, I was influenced by people to make self-destructive choices. After understanding that a change needed to happen, I sought mentorship provided by MRF. My life quickly shifted due to my mentors who believed in me and called the greatness out. I am now a first-generation college graduate and am working at an emergency foster care shelter for teens. I now have the opportunity to influence teens who made similar decisions as I once did and lead them to a place of growth and character."
— Idalis Claudio
Chemist
"Before encountering the leadership of MRF I was lost, hurt by life, and unsure of my identity. With their help, I found direction, healing, and purpose. I learned how to be intentional with everything and to extend help to those around me. This foundation has been pivotal in my growth as a person, wife, friend, daughter, student, and now, professional."
— Dr. Scarlett Godinez, PhD.
Youth Pastor
“As a teenager, I had no sense of direction. The Mariano Rivera Foundation helped me discover my purpose. While being mentored, I learned disciplines that helped carry me through the highs and lows of my life. I am forever indebted to their love, support, and mentorship. MRF is more than a program it is a birthplace for world changers.”
— Jun Marcelin
Educator
"As a high-schooler I was sent to an alternative school with no hope of graduating. I began to lose hope in my future. Upon enrolling into a MRF program, I found hope and purpose. Today I am paying it forward, by becoming a certified teacher. My goal as an educator is to remind my students there is hope for them regardless of their past failures."
— Sofia Porraz
Entrepreneur
"Before being enrolled in a MRF Program, I was a young man with no sense of direction. I was living life without purpose and saw no value in myself. Through the program I’ve learned to number my days, know my worth, make the most out of every moment and live for what truly matters most in life. I now live a purposed and blessed life with my beautiful wife, two wonderful dogs and a successful business."
— Christian GodinezThe 40,000 square foot Learning Center in New Rochelle will cost roughly $12 million to build and will carry a yearly operational budget of between $1 and $1.5 million. In order to launch the Center and ensure its success, we need your help. Mariano Rivera has made a significant personal financial commitment to begin the process of turning his vision into reality. We need your commitment to help Mariano make his greatest save to date. Your support of our work is more than a donation; you are helping us build the Mariano Rivera Learning Center from the ground up, enabling underserved youth to achieve success. The Learning Center is an investment in the future of a vibrant community through its young people, as well as an investment in a model that will be scaled across the country.
Please join us in making Save 653 possible with your support of the Mariano Rivera Learning Center.
Save 653
Be A Part Of Mariano's Biggest Save
Marino Rivera, MLB All-Time Saves Leader 652, now Mariano's Biggest Save 653, The Mariano Rivera Foundation. Youth from impoverished families are at a disadvantage, lacking the necessary resources and relationships to succeed in today’s world. The Mariano Rivera Foundation is dedicated to creating a reality where each child is afforded an opportunity to see beyond their circumstances, and discover new ways to confidently create a better life.
DonateSave 653
Be A Part Of Mariano's Biggest Save
Marino Rivera, MLB All-Time Saves Leader 652, now Mariano's Biggest Save 653, The Mariano Rivera Foundation. Youth from impoverished families are at a disadvantage, lacking the necessary resources and relationships to succeed in today’s world. The Mariano Rivera Foundation is dedicated to creating a reality where each child is afforded an opportunity to see beyond their circumstances, and discover new ways to confidently create a better life.
DonateWe aspire to be our best, living by example as we invite others to join our endeavor.
Our combined efforts will help to inspire kids to be STRONG as their confidence is being built, be BRAVE in the midst of the challenges they face, and be reminded that they are CAPABLE of achieving a brighter future.
Sign Up Donate