MINDS WITH PURPOSE FOUNDATION

Building the future of youth empowerment through connection, purpose, and action.

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MINDS WITH PURPOSE FOUNDATION
July 15, 2026

JUNE 2026 COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

Dear MWP Community,

Summer is here—and with it comes the energy, creativity, and possibility that define Minds With Purpose.

Across Massachusetts, young people are discovering new career pathways, building confidence, strengthening their leadership skills.

DIRECT FROM THE DIRECTOR

Through innovative programming, and strategic partnerships we're continuing to create spaces where opportunity is accessible.

Whether you've volunteered your time, partnered with us, attended an event, or simply shared our mission with someone else, thank you.

The work continues—and we're excited to build what's next, together.

With gratitude,

Jeurys “Jay” Santiago

Founder & CEO of Minds With Purpose Foundation

SAVE THE DATE

6th Annual Charity Basketball Tournament

Sun, Aug 23, 2026 | O'Connell South Common, Lawrence MA | 7 AM 5K · 9 AM–6 PM

The MWP Charity Basketball Tournament returns to Lawrence for its sixth year — a full day of 3v3 competition, culture, and community. Men's and women's brackets span three age divisions, alongside a sunrise 5K, live performances, a vendor village, and art and wellness activations. Every dollar raised powers free, year-round youth programming from Minds With Purpose Foundation.

Event Highlights

  • Men's & Women's 3v3 · ages 10–13, 14–17, 18+

  • 7 AM Community 5K race kicks off the day

  • Live performances, DJ & main-stage energy

  • Vendor village — 15+ local small businesses

  • Art activations, giveaways & family fun

  • Wellness activations & 25 Coach Honoree Awards

$100 per team · 3–4 players · Youth & Adult divisions · Register at luma.com/d18ua1xv

Interested in partnering with Minds With Purpose?

We're currently welcoming:

  • Corporate sponsors

  • Community partners

  • Vendors

  • Event collaborators

Our Impact

  • 500+ projected attendees

  • 1,200+ youth served to date

  • $4,500 raised for programs

Sponsorship first covers the $16,250 event cost — every dollar beyond funds MWP youth programming (Fall/Winter 2026–2027). Sponsorships range from $500–$10,000

Previous Sponsors of the Minds With Purpose Basketball Tournament

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING IS UNDERWAY

This year, Minds With Purpose is expanding opportunities for youth through programming centered on education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and career development.

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS

Supporting first-gen, immigrants, BIPOC youth ages 14-35 with mentorship, career development, and leadership opportunities.

TECH ACCESS & OPPORTUNITY

Building future-ready learners through digital access to tools that unlock career growth opportunities. We provide devices, training, mentorship, and real-world tech exposure to underserved youth.

LEADERSHIP & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Building future leaders through boards, committees, and advisory councils that amplify diverse voices. Through culture-forward gatherings, festivals, and conferences we celebrate multicultural communities.

Every program is designed to help participants build confidence while gaining practical skills they can apply immediately.

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
Your investment creates opportunity. Because of supporters like you:

  • Every MWP program remains 100% free for participants.

  • We proudly serve first-generation, immigrant, and historically underserved young adults ages 18–35.

  • Every contribution directly supports education, workforce development, and community programming.

  • Together, we're working toward our vision of impacting 1 million youth lives.

MWP BY THE NUMBERS

  • 38,111+ Youth Lives Impacted

  • 1,000+ Community Event Attendees

  • 3 Flagship Experiences Transforming Young Lives

"Talent is universal. Opportunity should be too."

What We've Accomplished Together

La Vida Scholars Career Exposure Experience

The MWPF organized and facilitated a career exposure field trip, bringing 56 students to BR+A Consulting Engineers for an immersive introduction to the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

Students connected directly with industry professionals, explored educational and career pathways, toured a leading engineering firm, and gained firsthand insight into careers in engineering and design.

Experiences like these bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce—turning curiosity into opportunity, helping young people envision their future with confidence.

Women's Rise & Thrive Conference

Earlier this spring, MWP hosted the Women's Rise & Thrive Conference at Boston's Cyclorama.

The event brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and advocates from across the Greater Merrimack Valley to celebrate women creating positive change.

More than 30 remarkable women were recognized for their leadership across education, business, entrepreneurship, nonprofit work, and community engagement.

Supporting Boston-Owned Businesses

MWP partnered with The Boston Globe's Support Boston-Owned initiative, helping elevate local businesses and strengthen community-based entrepreneurship throughout Massachusetts.

Supporting local businesses means investing in stronger neighborhoods, stronger families, and stronger futures.

Our goal is simple: meet young people where they are—and help them get where they want to go.

Minds With Purpose Festival

Coming this fall, the MWP Fest returns, bringing together hundreds of young people, families, artists, entrepreneurs, and community members for a day of celebration, creativity, and connection.

This annual multicultural event celebrates the city's rich diversity through live music, art exhibitions, youth entrepreneurship, educational workshops, and interactive community activities, showcasing the vibrant talent and culture that make Lawrence unique.

COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Building Stronger Communities Together

Meaningful partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. We're grateful to collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to creating equitable opportunities for young people.

Through strategic collaboration and community investment, Eastern Bank Foundation continues supporting initiatives that strengthen economic mobility and workforce development. Partnerships like these help expand educational programming, career exploration opportunities, and meaningful connections for the communities we serve.

We are proud to recognize Eastern Bank Foundation as a sponsor of the Minds With Purpose Foundation 6th Annual Charity Basketball Tournament. Their support will go directly toward helping cover the cost of jerseys for participating teams, allowing us to create a more memorable and unified experience for the players, coaches, and community members who will be part of this year's tournament.

"When organizations come together around a shared purpose, we create opportunities that no single organization could accomplish alone."

WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR MISSION

Every volunteer, donor, and community partner helps create life-changing opportunities for young people.

You can support Minds With Purpose Foundation by:

  • Making a charitable donation

  • Volunteering at an upcoming event

  • Sponsoring one of our youth programs

  • Sharing our mission with your network

STAY CONNECTED

Encouraged by our work? Pitch in to keep the momentum going.

Explore our programs and upcoming opportunities.

Follow our journey and celebrate our community.

With Purpose,

©2025 Minds With Purpose Foundation. All rights reserved.

Building the future of youth empowerment through connection, purpose, and action.

501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION | Tax ID: 41-3062068