As part of their annual "signature project" fully funded by the Ravens Foundation, Inc., the Baltimore Ravens are hosting today (Wednesday, June 4) an organization-wide volunteer effort alongside Heart of America to enhance Green Street Academy.
Founded in 2010, Green Street Academy – located several miles from M&T Bank Stadium – is a 6-12 public charter school now serving 875 students annually. The school was designed to transform how scholars prepare for college and careers in the 21st century, through the lens of environmental, human and personal economic sustainability.
Wednesday's volunteer project at Green Street Academy includes outdoor beautification, classroom transformations, a mural painting, new furniture assembly, library support and bicycle building.
The undertaking also reinforces the Ravens' long-term commitment to this West Baltimore community, as Green Street Academy sits adjacent to the Baltimore Ravens Boys & Girls Club at Hilton Recreation Center, which is in the final stages of construction and scheduled to open this fall.
In addition to offering regular after-school programing to Green Street Academy students, the new Boys & Girls Club facility and fields will serve as the home venue for the school's sports teams. (Click here for renderings.)
Ravens players are contributing to the enhancement projects throughout the day of service, as is every organizational staff member, led by team president Sashi Brown. Joining the Ravens contingent are Green Street Academy faculty, Heart of America workers and representatives from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore.
Below are quotes from all parties involved in Wednesday's project:
Sashi Brown, President, Baltimore Ravens
"Green Street Academy has become a cornerstone of West Baltimore, consistently offering its students meaningful opportunities and guidance. Our long-term investment in this special community – underscored by the neighboring Baltimore Ravens Boys & Girls Club – reflects a natural partnership between two organizations deeply committed to helping children thrive. Supporting education and expanding access to essential resources for Baltimore's youth remain central pillars of the Ravens' outreach efforts. We're proud to join these outstanding organizations in their mission to build bright, impactful futures for every child they serve."
Larry Rivitz, Co-founder/CEO, Green Street Academy
"Green Street Academy is thankful for our collaboration with Heart of America, which is bringing new life to our century-old school building. Today's 'Makeover Day' is testament to our partnership with the Baltimore Ravens and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore, whose generous support of this day is representative of their overall commitment to help us foster student motivation, engagement, and academic and athletic achievement."
Jill Hardy Heath, President & CEO, Heart of America
"Heart of America knows that physical spaces and learning environments have a huge impact on young people's overall well-being. Our goal of enhancing student spaces at Green Street Academy and fostering connection between the school and the new Boys and Girls Club is to ensure that all students have a place to go that inspires them to thrive. This project supports students during and after school hours and is a unique opportunity to create an environment of success."
Jeff Breslin, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore
"Today's project is a reflection of the community's shared commitment to building a more equitable Baltimore, where every young person has access to the opportunities they deserve. Adjacent to Green Street Academy, the new Baltimore Ravens Boys & Girls Club opening this fall, will be a safe and inspiring space for students and the West Baltimore community – a place where kids can be kids. Where they can learn, play, lead and thrive. It's a powerful example of what's possible when partners come together to invest in the next generation."
