Books & Buckets

Books & Buckets was founded with a mission to empower youth through athletics, academics, and advocacy for local neighborhood impact. Over four years later, we are proud to say we've accomplished just that with our program remaining rooted in youth leadership and development. Our athletic pillar has developed the athletic prowess of youth leaders in an extraordinary fashion. Youth have joined their high school basketball teams, travel leagues, and so much more. Some have even been so motivated to pursue other sports. Our academic pillar has helped youth remain eligible for graduation, rejoin their high school sports teams, and led to meaningful employment and higher education placement. Lastly, our advocacy pillar has brought much-needed community activation and investment to Long Beach. We've hosted a gang violence prevention panel, neighborhood cleanups, created art sculptures and campaigns to revitalize the 14th St Basketball Courts and bring a Community Center to the Washington Neighborhood. Most recently, we worked with the One Long Beach Collaborative to advocate for violence prevention funding in the city.

Learn More About Books & Buckets:

Strategic Plan

Donation Information

Testimonials

"My favorite thing about this program is how welcoming they are. As soon as I stepped through that door it felt like I had family and friends. There's never a dull moment and we are always having fun."- Izalynn M., 15

"My favorite thing about Books & Buckets is the learning we do about basketball, our government, and our community. When I grow up I want to successful in basketball or soccer. Some goals for this year is to a good role model for the kids." -Noe S., 11.

"Books & Buckets has given my son a lot of confidence and determination to continue to do what he loves. So much so that he continued to work on everything he was thought at Books & Buckets which allowed him to make the basketball team at his high school." - Books & Buckets parent

"I've learned leadership, how to talk to people, and enjoying the little things.  I joined because my friends are here and I wanted to be apart of something good. My favorite moments are when the little kids come represent the community, play basketball and seeing the joy on their faces from just being here."- Youth Leader, Edrick S., 20.