After almost 15 years of operating in donated spaces at rec centers, libraries, and private schools, the team at Next One Up has finally found their home in Baltimore City. The nonprofit, which provides mentoring for approximately 150 young men ages 12-25 each year, will now have a permanent recreational and learning center that will support their student-athletes as they work to reach their full potential. The new “Base Camp” facility, located at 5911 York Road across from the Senator Theater, will allow Next One Up to better serve their students and expand their trademark programming.
In July 2023, NIIF was proud to support this important work with a $1 million bridge loan as part of a $3.3 million renovation of the property. The renovations are transforming the 14,000 square foot space, which had sat empty for close to 3 years into a dynamic hub for after-school and summer programming. When the facility opens in the fall of 2023, it will house a dedicated academic area, a hands-on makerspace, a tech lab with 3D printers and computer workstations, a recording studio, a barber shop, independent study spaces, and a gym with weightlifting and cardio equipment.
“When the school day ends, life in Baltimore begins and every young person has a choice in how to use those hours. We want our young people to use them to become the best version of themselves. Establishing Base Camp will offer the young men in our program a choice that they otherwise wouldn’t have,” said Matt Hanna, Founder and CEO of Next One Up.