As a result, it is currently the 2nd poorest country in the Western hemisphere, trailing only Haiti (nominal per capita GDP). Nicaraguan youth face the most difficulties. With the cards stacked against them, at least one-third never reach sixth grade. While other organizations genuinely seek to improve the lives of those they help, the true social connection needed to spark long-term, systemic change is missed. How can we set the Nicaraguan youth up for success and help implement a self-sustaining way of life to end this cycle of poverty?​

In Nicaragua, baseball is as nearly as powerful an institution as the church. Even in the poorest communities one can find a baseball field. Helping Kids Round First has been bringing donated baseball equipment to Nicaragua since 2009. Through the game, the non-profit has expanded to include major projects in softball, women's empowerment and education, sustainable agriculture, and healthcare.

Helping Kids Round First delegations travel to Nicaragua every 4-6 weeks bringing baseball and softball gear, school supplies, medical equipment, and agricultural resources to impoverished communities. Baseball has been the vehicle for creating long-term, sustainable improvements in the region.