THE DAYTON STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Mark Baker Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive prevention and early intervention mentoring service programs for at risk youth through it’s Dayton Student Leadership Program.
As the primary service provider, Mark Baker and his mentoring staff incorporate their life skills, time and talents to mentor and train at risk youth to resolve conflict productively, avoid participating in gangs, choose drug-free lifestyles, and remain in school until they graduate.
Foundation programs and in particular the Dayton Student Leadership Program are developed to replace many missing elements of our students’ lives including offering a role model, a figure of authority, a chance to set and reach goals, physical and mental conditioning and very importantly, a feeling of hope for the future and belief in themselves.
TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY
Poverty, drug abuse, drunkenness, and violence were just a few of the obstacles Mark would have to face while growing up in the inner city of Dayton, Ohio. Everyday, Mark had to choose between staying in school and pursuing his dream, or taking the “easy way out” and selling drugs. But Mark held on to his dream, never imagining that this game of basketball he loved so much would take him all over the world.
A 1988 graduate of Dayton’s Dunbar High School, Mark’s skill and ability helped the Dunbar Wolverines win the 1987 State of Ohio Basketball Championship. Averaging 28 points per game, Mark made the All-American Team during his senior year of high school. According to all observances, Mark was destined for great things. Then something happened that almost shattered the dream.
Although Mark’s basketball talents helped earn him a scholarship to The Ohio State University, he was unable to display his skills during his freshman year due to academic ineligibility. During high school, Mark was routinely passed in classes he should have failed. As a result, he failed to meet minimum NCAA standards allowable for collegiate competition.
But Mark didn’t give up! He sought help, and took the classes he needed to bring him to minimum NCAA academic standards. By the time his sophomore year rolled around Mark was ready. He used the time off to fine-tune his skills, and demonstrated them from 1989-1992. He ranked number three in Ohio State's history in assists, helped Ohio State win two back to back Big Ten Championships, and made the All-Big Ten Team twice.
Since that time, Mark has played for a variety of semi-professional teams. Finally in 1999, his dream of playing for the NBA became a reality when he joined the Toronto Raptors. Today, Mark lives in Dayton, with his wife and three children, who share in his life, which is helping young people succeed.
Click on “Leadership Program” to view further information on the “Dayton Student Leadership Program”.
