Back the Game Changers

Talented student-athletes shouldn’t lose their shot at college over a class they didn’t know they needed, an application no one helped them finish, or a cost no one explained.

That’s why S.W.A.A.G. (Student-Athletes with Academic Agility & Grit) exists. Founded in 2023 by a high school counselor, we make sure Baltimore’s high school athletes leave school ready for college, a career and life after the last game.

What our members get

GPA monitoring every quarter, with a 2.5 GPA standard
NCAA eligibility guidance
College application and scholarship coaching
Leadership training, service learning and family college-planning support

Three years of results

100% of members who stayed through senior year graduated (91 of 91)
$5.38 million in scholarships, including 22 full rides
588 verified college acceptances
99% of our alumni are still enrolled in college
267 active student-athletes across 5 chapters

“S.W.A.A.G. became a community that helped me believe I was ready for what was next.”
— Tristian Wallace-Smith, Dunbar High valedictorian, now at the University of Maryland

Why we need you now
We’ve grown from 29 members to 267 with no salaried staff. Every GPA check, eligibility review and college application still runs through one person. Your gift helps us build the team our students deserve, so no senior waits.

What your gift does

$100 covers one student-athlete’s full year of college and career support
$500 supports 5 students for a year
$1,000 helps a graduate move into their college dorm
$2,500 fuels a full Leadership Summit
$5,000 supports 50 students, plus college nights for families
$10,000 supports 100 students for a year

Want to host a chapter at a school ($12,000) or fund our college and career team ($25,000)? Email promito@swaaginitiative.org.

Make every dollar count: Givebutter’s tip is optional. Set it to $0 and 100% of your gift goes to S.W.A.A.G. You can also give by Zelle (promito@swaaginitiative.org) or by check payable to The S.W.A.A.G. Initiative.

S.W.A.A.G. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Power. Knowledge. Progress. Thank you for backing the Game Changers.

Back The Game Changers