Athletes Without Barriers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by two student-athletes to support young athletes facing economic, educational, and circumstantial challenges. AWB’s story began when its founders, then high-school sophomores Luis Molina and Alexander McKinney, recognized the stark disparity in resources available to student-athletes based on geography of the travel teams they played on. After witnessing these differences firsthand, they set out together to ensure that every student-athlete, regardless of background or geography, has the tools and support to thrive on the field, in the classroom, and in life. The desire to make a difference and help others gave birth to AWB.
Alec and Luis formed AWB with the belief that access to opportunity should never be limited by circumstance. That’s why they work to make sure AWB provides athletic programs, tutoring, and counseling services designed to empower youth and help them reach their full potential. AWB’s efforts include organizing travel baseball teams and wrestling camps, offering tutoring and SAT prep before practices, and inviting professionals to speak on nutrition and mental health. AWB is proud to partner with Family Empowerment Associates for counseling services and has secured the support of volunteer coaches, corporate sponsors, and professionals in law (King & Spalding), accounting, and web design who have generously donated their time and expertise to help us grow.
Founding and building Athletes Without Barriers has required determination, teamwork, and the ability to engage with professionals and community leaders. From securing nonprofit status and raising funds to coordinating logistics and building partnerships, we have learned the importance of perseverance and collaboration. Our mission is ongoing, and we remain committed to breaking down barriers so every young athlete can become the best version of themselves.
We invite you to join us as we continue to create opportunities, promote equity, and help shape the next generation of leaders—on and off the field.
At Athletes without Barriers, we are dedicated to igniting positive change in the lives of young athletes hailing from inner-city and underserved neighborhoods.
Our mission is to create a nurturing and holistic environment that empowers the youth to reach their full potential both in the classroom and on the athletic field.
We envision a future where every student-athlete, regardless of their background or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive academically, emotionally, and athletically. We see a community where dreams are nurtured, self-confidence soars, and futures are transformed.
Coaches understand that kids need coaching not only on the field but also off the field. Our volunteers will not only serve as an example in sports, but will serve as a mentor for the life outside of sports.
We provide tailored academic support to ensure that every young athlete can achieve their educational goals and unlock a world of opportunities.
We prioritize the emotional well-being of our athletes by offering access to professional counseling and guidance, helping them navigate the challenges they face.
Through engaging and organized sports activities, we promote physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship, fostering essential life skills both on and off the playing field.
We embrace diversity and cultivate an inclusive environment where every young athlete feels valued, respected, and heard.
We are committed to providing top-tier academic tutoring, mental health support, and recreational sports opportunities, striving for excellence in all that we do.
We believe in equipping young athletes with the tools they need to overcome challenges, make informed decisions, and become leaders both on and off the field.
We foster a sense of belonging, encouraging collaboration among athletes, families, volunteers, and partners to create a united community that supports and uplifts each other.
We operate with transparency, accountability, and honesty, ensuring that the resources entrusted to us are used effectively to maximize our impact.
June 28
Our Founders, Alec and Luis, traveled to Atlantic City, NJ, to meet with Gregory Koguc, the Founder/CEO of Family Empowerment Associates, LLC, to discuss the ongoing partnership between the organizations. AWB works with FEA to facilitate access for student-athletes to access FEA’s services. FEA services New Jersey by empowering families and caregivers to manage children’s mental health developmental issues and needs by providing information, techniques, and educational programs to help them navigate through the stages of childhood and adolescence. FEA’s team of licensed clinicians, master-level clinicians, and certified behavioral assistants offer services in the home to enhance the quality of life for their clients and their families. Learn more about FEA @
July 1
Exciting news for AWB! We recently partnered with the United Community Corporation (UCC), a respected community powerhouse in Newark. Through this collaboration, we are expanding our programs at the Essex County West Side Park Community Center, providing tutoring and sports clinics, including baseball and wrestling, for youth from Newark, NJ. By working with UCC, we are able to expand our reach to even more young people and foster a truly inclusive environment for the personal growth of these student-athletes. Learn more about the UCC @
August 21
June 28
7/4 – 7/7 – Perfect Game Tournament for AWB Baseball Team. For more info, visit AWB’s Perfect Game.
is a student at Morris Knolls High School who co-founded this project. He is a young student-athlete who hopes to inspire like-minded students to reach their full potential on and off the field.
is a student at Morris Knolls High School who co-founded this project with Luis Molina. He wishes to help fellow student athletes who may not have access to the resources necessary to reach their full potential, both in the classroom, and on the field.
Is the president of Athletes Without Barriers. Through his expertise and leadership, he works with student-athletes to reach their goals.
is part of the board for Athletes Without Barriers. He strives to transform the accessibility of services to underserved populations.
serves as the Executive Director of the Human Resources and Finance Department of the Family Empowerment Group.
is a Licensed Social Worker who serves as the Executive Director of Operations Family Empowerment Associates. He is a key part of our liaison with our Mental Health Services.
FEA's partnership with AWB has significantly enhanced our organization's ability to address the mental wellness needs of our student-athletes. AWB's expertise in sport-based activity provides a unique and effective approach to mental health support.
Join us in our mission to provide young athletes in inner-city and underserved neighborhoods with the support they need to excel, both as individuals and as part of a thriving community. Together, we can build a brighter future, one athlete at a time.
We provide tailored academic support to ensure that every young athlete can achieve their educational goals and unlock a world of opportunities.
We prioritize the emotional well-being of our athletes by offering access to professional counseling and guidance, helping them navigate the challenges they face.
Through engaging and organized sports activities, we promote physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship, fostering essential life skills both on and off the playing field.
We embrace diversity and cultivate an inclusive environment where every young athlete feels valued, respected, and heard.
We are committed to providing top-tier academic tutoring, mental health support, and recreational sports opportunities, striving for excellence in all that we do.
We believe in equipping young athletes with the tools they need to overcome challenges, make informed decisions, and become leaders both on and off the field.
We foster a sense of belonging, encouraging collaboration among athletes, families, volunteers, and partners to create a united community that supports and uplifts each other.
We operate with transparency, accountability, and honesty, ensuring that the resources entrusted to us are used effectively to maximize our impact.
June 28
Our Founders, Alec and Luis, traveled to Atlantic City, NJ, to meet with Gregory Koguc, the Founder/CEO of Family Empowerment Associates, LLC, to discuss the ongoing partnership between the organizations. AWB works with FEA to facilitate access for student-athletes to access FEA’s services. FEA services New Jersey by empowering families and caregivers to manage children’s mental health developmental issues and needs by providing information, techniques, and educational programs to help them navigate through the stages of childhood and adolescence. FEA’s team of licensed clinicians, master-level clinicians, and certified behavioral assistants offer services in the home to enhance the quality of life for their clients and their families. Learn more about FEA @
July 1
Exciting news for AWB! We recently partnered with the United Community Corporation (UCC), a respected community powerhouse in Newark. Through this collaboration, we are expanding our programs at the Essex County West Side Park Community Center, providing tutoring and sports clinics, including baseball and wrestling, for youth from Newark, NJ. By working with UCC, we are able to expand our reach to even more young people and foster a truly inclusive environment for the personal growth of these student-athletes. Learn more about the UCC @
August 21
June 28
7/4 – 7/7 – Perfect Game Tournament for AWB Baseball Team. For more info, visit AWB’s Perfect Game.
FEA's partnership with AWB has significantly enhanced our organization's ability to address the mental wellness needs of our student-athletes. AWB's expertise in sport-based activity provides a unique and effective approach to mental health support.
Join us in our mission to provide young athletes in inner-city and underserved neighborhoods with the support they need to excel, both as individuals and as part of a thriving community. Together, we can build a brighter future, one athlete at a time.
