Head of Program Design - Innovation Team

U.S. Soccer's Soccer Forward Foundation introduces Soccer Forward Communities, a local approach to delivering national impact. New initiative brings together local partners, programs, and resources to expand access to soccer and create lasting impact in communities nationwide April 2, 2026 ATLANTA (April 2, 2026) - The U.S. Soccer Federation, through its Soccer Forward Foundation, today introduced Soccer Forward Communities, a new initiative that brings its national vision to life through a localized, collective impact model. By bringing together local partners, public institutions, and key soccer stakeholders, Soccer Forward Communities represents a long-term, coordinated approach to growing the game at the community level. The initiative is focused not only on increasing participation, but on building sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven soccer ecosystems. By working alongside, investing in and equipping local U.S. Soccer Members, community organizations, schools, and municipalities, Soccer Forward is aligning national support with local expertise to create lasting impact through the game. Soccer has long served as a unifying force, connecting people across backgrounds and experiences. Through Soccer Forward Communities, that power is being harnessed to address broader community needs, creating more opportunities for young people to play, learn, and thrive. "We cannot achieve a national vision of growing the game and making social impact without showing up authentically locally," said Lex Chalat, Executive Director of the Soccer Forward Foundation. "Local soccer clubs and community organizations know what they need to make the game more accessible and inclusive. Soccer Forward Communities is about listening to those local communities and supporting them where they need it most: by investing in them and encouraging collaboration." The initiative introduces a flexible model that supports communities at different stages of development, with a focus on collective impact that creates more places to play, expands soccer in after school, and equips more community leaders, coaches and educators to use the game as a force for good. The first group of Soccer Forward Communities will launch in Oakland, Calif.; the South Bronx, N.Y.; and Oklahoma City, Okla. This builds on a full year of Soccer Forward supporting local communities through Spotlight events and Accelerate programming. In Oakland, Soccer Forward is working with Oakland Genesis, Oakland Soccer Club, Oakland Unified Public School District and additional local partners to advance a shared vision for expanding access and opportunity through soccer. In the South Bronx, Soccer Forward is working with South Bronx United, DREAM Charter Schools, Street Soccer USA, and The Sports Creative to integrate soccer into schools and community systems while addressing critical social challenges. In Oklahoma City, Soccer Forward is working alongside Fields and Futures and OKC for Soccer to strengthen access to the game and build sustainable pathways for youth participation. These communities were selected for their strong local leadership, growth potential, and the opportunity for soccer to drive measurable social and economic impact. They represent the first step in a broader, nationwide effort to deliver U.S. Soccer's mission at the local level. The initiative comes at a pivotal moment for the sport in the United States, with growing momentum and a significant opportunity to expand access and engagement in the years ahead.

Unique program provides support for young talent to be exposed to cutting-edge advertising technologyNEW YORK, July 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BLOCKBOARD, a leading ad tech company built with enhanced features to maximize the benefits of the next generation of advertising, is proud to announce its internship program in partnership with DREAM and the PitCCh In Foundation. This collaborative effort aims to provide valuable learning experiences and professional development opportunities for aspiring individuals in the field of advertising technology."We are thrilled to launch this unique internship program in collaboration with DREAM and the PitCCh In Foundation"The internship program offers DREAM students and young alumni the chance to work alongside industry experts and gain hands-on experience in a fast-growing advertising technology company. Through this program, BLOCKBOARD, DREAM, and the PitCCh In Foundation are committed to fostering talent, promoting diversity and inclusion, and empowering the next generation of innovators."We are thrilled to launch this internship program in collaboration with DREAM and the PitCCh In Foundation," said Matt Wasserlauf, Co-founder and CEO of Blockboard. "We believe that by joining forces, we can create a transformative learning experience that will help students gain practical skills, enhance their knowledge, and build a strong foundation for their future careers."In the inaugural year, the 2023 intern has exposure to a range of positions across multiple departments at BLOCKBOARD, such as data analytics, product management, marketing, and customer support. The unique program provides the opportunity to work on real-world projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and receive mentorship from seasoned professionals in the industry."We are excited to be part of this internship program and contribute to the development of young talent," said Richard Berlin, co-Chief Executive Officer of DREAM. "This unique partnership advances DREAM's mission to help students realize their vision of success, from elementary school through college and beyond."The PitCCh In Foundation, founded by CC and Amber Sabathia, is dedicated to enriching the lives of young individuals through education, sports, and community outreach