Our Core Purpose

OWLS exists to empower youth by opening pathways to growth and opportunity.

Mission Statement

OWLS combines the powers of lacrosse, mentorship, and academic support to promote personal growth, school success, and postsecondary readiness for youth in underserved communities.

Our History

Lacrosse & Learning—a match made in Chicago.

OWLS—Outreach With Lacrosse and Schools—was formed in 2011 with a simple goal: to combat an epidemic of physical inactivity and lack of quality enrichment programming in underserved Chicago schools and communities.

Over the years, we’ve added academic support, field trips, career development, informed coaching methods, and more to help maximize every minute of impact on our student-athletes. Since 2011, OWLS has grown from a single program to serving 591 student-athletes across Chicago’s West and South Sides in the 2025-26 school year.

Lacrosse is an ideal sport to help address stress, accelerate learning, and build critical life skills. We serve each student-athlete by helping them create the academic self-efficacy, contribution, positive identity, self-management, and social skills necessary to thrive. We partner with schools in underserved communities to support student access and success, from 3rd grade through high school graduation and beyond.

Explore our school partnership program here

WHY LACROSSE?

Of all the sports to base our program on, we chose a sport predominantly unknown in our communities. Here’s why.

Because lacrosse is a community sport. This centuries-old game has brought—and continues to bring—people together from all walks of life and experience for a common goal (or two).

Because there is merit in starting from scratch. So many of our students start “in the hole” in other parts of their lives, but on this field and in this game, everyone starts and learns from the same place.

Because lacrosse is a game of clear and simple boundaries, rules, and objectives. When life is complicated, there are immense benefits to having a consistent place with a strong structure, support, and goals.

Because lacrosse catalyzes growth, wellness, healing, and connection. It fosters the development of critical life skills and relationships.

Because lacrosse was originally played to honor life itself. To that end, we play with a similar goal: to be part of something greater than ourselves.

Because anyone can play this game. And we’d argue that most people should. Because if they did, they wouldn’t have to ask.

We believe…

Lacrosse is an ideal sport to help regulate stress, accelerate learning, and build critical life skills. Teamwork. Discipline. Persistence and mental resilience. Physical stamina. Respect. Leadership. Fellowship.

Want to get in the game?

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