About
More than a decade of youth development through sports, mentorship, technical learning and opportunity.
Drive4Change is an Oakland-based 501(c)(3) public charity expanding access to sports, mentorship, technical learning and community-based opportunity. We serve young people across backgrounds and abilities—including adaptive athletes—by removing the barriers that too often determine who gets to participate.
Our work begins at Ile Omode—ground zero for Drive4Change and our year-round working laboratory. It is where we refine curriculum, train coaches, test our shared-coach model and learn what sustained service requires.
From that foundation, we extend into summer camps, adaptive golf opportunities and the Oakland Middle School Golf League. Golf is one of our primary vehicles for youth development, mentorship and community connection—not the finish line.
After more than a decade working with young people through golf, our leadership understands that access alone is not enough. Consistent coaching, transportation, safe facilities and trusted relationships are what turn participation into transformation.
Our train-the-trainer progression: observe, assist, lead under supervision, lead independently. Competency—not attendance—is the standard.
Our Mission
Drive4Change empowers Oakland youth through sports, mentorship, technical learning and real-world opportunity. We remove financial, transportation and access barriers so young people of every background and ability can build confidence, leadership and lasting connections—in school, on the course and in their communities.
Our Vision
We envision an Oakland where a young person’s zip code, family income or physical ability does not determine access to quality coaching, trusted adults, technical learning and lifelong opportunity. Our work builds social capital, strengthens community institutions and creates pathways young people can carry forward.