Understand The Grind Foundation » Mission & Programs

Our Programs & Mission

Ignite the spark of success with Understand The Grind Foundation’s dynamic programs. We empower young minds by helping them excel in academics, sports, and community leadership.

Our Mission

The foundation was brought to life with the Powell family’s passion to effect tangible change in the communities that need it most, centered around pillars of expanding academic and athletic opportunities for youth. Focused on the San Diego area initially, the goal is to deepen efforts and operate with the intention of reaching more youth in additional cities in years to come.

Pillars of Foundation

Our work is centered around four key pillars: Strong Women, UTG Scholars, Athletics, and Community Giveback & Outreach. These pillars form the core areas where we aim to create meaningful change in the lives of young people.

We recognize the importance of education in shaping the future of youth and strive to expand access to educational resources, support academic programs, and promote educational initiatives that empower young individuals.

We also provide athletic opportunities, such as funding for sports programs, equipment, and facilities, to enable youth to engage in healthy physical activities.

Featured Programs

At the Understand The Grind Foundation, we believe in creating well-rounded individuals. From scholarships to mentorship, we empower young minds, enabling them to excel in academics, sports, and community leadership.

UTG Scholars

UTG Scholars

We aim to honor student-athletes who excel on and off the court academically while exhibiting positive character and sportsmanship. This service area focuses on providing sponsorships, scholarships, and assistance with educational endeavors.

Family teamwork. Happy mother and daughter having fun during homeschooling and giving high-five to each other. Happy african american family celebrating success sitting at laptop at home.

Strong Women

The Strong Woman service area will offer sponsorships and scholarships focusing on education, athletics, workforce development, and volunteerism. The focus of this program is to support, encourage, and honor the phenomenal women in our communities. These women are the epitome of strength and, in most cases, the foundation of their communities.

understand the grind huddle

Youth Basketball Camp

The annual Understand The Grind Youth Basketball Camp is focused on providing young athletes with the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge about basketball. This camp serves over 500 local youth annually, with plans to expand into different markets.

Community Giveback & Outreach

The give-back program focuses on helping deserving youth and their families in need. This program will assist in providing food, clothing, and necessities to families in need. Other facets of the program include supporting educators with classroom necessities, including those for the special education population.

Our Focus: San Diego and Beyond

We are committed to increasing our efforts in San Diego while simultaneously looking toward the future.

Our goal is to broaden our reach and extend our initiatives to additional cities, touching more deserving youth nationwide. By expanding our geographical presence, we plan to create positive change by nurturing the potential of countless young individuals and communities.