Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy

1. Food Education

1.1. 1. The Field of Greens In 2013, the Academy and DC Greens carried out an initial garden build resulting in 12 raised beds producing fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the "Field of Greens." Scholar-Athletes in the Academy's after-school program accessed the garden to learn about organic farming and food preparation. Later, 1,200 square feet of in-ground rows were added to increase the amount of cultivated land. From kale to strawberries to a "pollinator garden," the "Field of Greens" brings a hands-on gardening experience right to the Academy's backyard. 2. Harvest Day Every year at the end of the summer, Scholar-Athletes get to trade in their bats and books for shovels and recipes in celebration of Harvest Day. This celebration of the end of summer programming has boys and girls picking out vegetables and using them in delicious recipes in a true farm-to-table experience. 3. The Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy serves as a collaboration center for the development and implementation of programs that improve health outcomes in Wards 7 and 8. Through collaboration with local nonprofits and health organizations, the Academy is able to provide opportunities and experiences for our Scholar-Athletes and members of the community.

1.1.1. g

2. Community Engagement

2.1. Understanding that a holistic perspective is essential for fostering sustainable positive development, the Academy is committed to serving the communities east of the Anacostia River. By working with local and national organizations, as well as residents of Wards 7 and 8, the Academy offers a comprehensive set of programs that take a community-centered approach to cultivating a culture of health.

3. Security

3.1. Secures premises and personnel by patrolling property; monitoring surveillance equipment; inspecting buildings, equipment, and access points; permitting entry. Obtains help by sounding alarms. Prevents losses and damage by reporting irregularities; informing violators of policy and procedures; restraining trespassers. Controls traffic by directing drivers. Completes reports by recording observations, information, occurrences, and surveillance activities; interviewing witnesses; obtaining signatures. Maintains environment by monitoring and setting building and equipment controls. Maintains organization's stability and reputation by complying with legal requirements. Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; evaluating new equipment and techniques. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

4. Academic Support

4.1. 1. Literacy Learning Resource Center 2. Mentorship Programs 3. Crisis Support Mechanisms 4. Science of Sport (STEM Education) 5. Parent Child School Academy Liaison

5. Baseball and Softball

5.1. 1. Create a supportive baseball/softball culture. 2. By promoting hustle and enthusiasm, the Academy provides constructive experiences for all players and puts hard work ahead of winning. 3. Academy coaches are trained in positive coaching methodology, which stresses positive reinforcement and consistent encouragement as fundamental to effective coaching. 4. Coaches measure progress in attributes such as arm strength, accuracy and base running to keep track of the areas in which Scholar-Athletes are thriving and where they might need stronger support. 5. Scholar-Athletes are then able to test out their new abilities in games and scrimmages which happen multiple times per week.

6. Facilities

6.1. Joshua Otterline serves as the Facilities Manager at the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy. In this role, he is responsible for the oversight and maintenance of the entire Academy property, including the baseball and softball fields as well as state-of-the-art indoor facilities.