Our Mission
Hear From a Parent
“They really do treat everybody like family. And John says that all the time, from day one…we really did feel special“
Our Mission
To provide youth with sports, educational, and civic direction helping them build the character and self-esteem they need to reach their full potential and value in society.
Our History
In August 2003, brothers Sam and John Torres founded the Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders (BCYL) in honor of their late father, Martin Torres. Their vision was simple yet powerful—to provide the youth of Bridgeport with a safe, structured, and supportive environment where they could grow, both on and off the field. What began as a community baseball league quickly evolved into a movement of empowerment and opportunity.
On May 1, 2004, BCYL officially launched its first baseball season, thanks to the dedication of a newly formed Board of Directors and a network of committed volunteers. That first game was just the beginning. Since then, BCYL has served over 10,000 young people, proving that sports can be a catalyst for education, leadership, and community service.
Recognizing the broader needs of Bridgeport’s youth, BCYL expanded beyond baseball, integrating academic enrichment, mentorship programs, STEM education, and leadership development. Today, BCYL is a pillar in the community, offering a comprehensive range of programs that nurture academic success, character building, and career readiness—ensuring that every child who walks through our doors has the resources, support, and inspiration to thrive.
BCYL continues to grow, adapting to the ever-changing needs of our youth while remaining true to our mission: empowering the next generation through sports, education, and community engagement.
A Message from the Executive Director
Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders, fondly known as Caribe, was established in 2003 with a simple goal: to give youth a safe, supportive space to grow through sports. Today, I’m proud to say we’ve transformed that vision into a thriving grassroots youth development organization that has served over 15,000 young people across Bridgeport and beyond.
In 2024, we reached a new milestone—serving over 2,400 youth through a diverse range of programs in education, athletics, and community engagement. Our Caribe Scholarship Fund continues to be a powerful driver of opportunity: since 2009, 136 students have received over $1.4 million in high school and college tuition scholarships, producing 37 college graduates, including 20 who were the first in their families to graduate.
Community engagement is at the core of our work. We believe in the power of partnerships, family involvement, and service to uplift the entire Bridgeport community. Whether through volunteering, mentoring, or participating in our events and initiatives, our families, alumni, and supporters play a vital role in building a strong, supportive network around our youth.
At Caribe, love, faith, and family remain at the heart of everything we do. These values guide our mission of building leadership, resilience, and purpose in the next generation. I’m deeply grateful to God and to every person who has walked alongside us, believed in our mission, and made this impact possible.
I invite you to explore our work on our website, consider joining our mission, and witness the power of what happens when a community comes together to uplift its youth.
Que Viva Caribe!
Exectutive Director
