Umar Boxing Program Inc

Umar strives continually to achieve the following outcomes:

1) Increase the number of youth who become self confident in their ability to achieve academic and economic success.
2) Increase the number of youth who enroll in schools of higher learning.
3) Increase the number of youth who are job ready.
4) Promote good citizenship and community values.
5) Promote high self esteem and personal and family responsibility.
6) Decrease the opportunity and desire for risk-taking behavior.

Children need quality, positive after-school engagement opportunities to ensure a safe and healthy transition through adolescence to adulthood. The need for after-school programs is particularly urgent and critical in the Druid Heights Community of Baltimore City, where our program is located. Based upon the Baltimore City Public Schools and Youth Risk Index prepared by the Baltimore City Data Collaborative, Druid Heights has a risk index value of 1.0 to 1.6, an indication of high risk.

Our motto is “no hooks before books” as we combine academic development and athletic training under one roof. While boxing is an exciting draw and integral part of the program, academic development is the paramount goal. Children must participate actively in the academic program in order to participate in the boxing program.

Umar’s doors are open 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday thru Friday. The program is managed by Marvin McDowell, its Executive Director and Founder. At Umar children perform homework, receive academic enhancement via certified educator and tutors and participate in boxing and conditioning training. All participants receive an afternoon snack and drink.

As a result of participating in the Umar program, Umar expects the following outcomes:

1) Improved school attendance
2) Improved school performance and
3) Improved performance against initial Umar assessment

Umar is a registered facility with USA Boxing, the sport’s national governing body that is responsible for the administration, development and promotion of Olympic-style boxing in the United States. Boxers are supervised and trained by USA Boxing certified trainers. The program is directed and managed by Marvin McDowell, a former professional boxer, President of the South Atlantic Boxing Association and member of the State of Maryland Boxing Hall of Fame. Marvin has served as head coach for the Mid-Atlantic region at the U.S. National Amateur Boxing Championships held at the U.S. Olympic Training facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Umar’s facility includes a classroom area (seven (7) station PC lab) providing at-risk children a safe environment to master athletic and educational skills. Umar’s staff includes certified Baltimore City educators and certified USA boxing trainers. The facility’s boxing area includes a boxing ring, heavy bags, speed bags, weight training machines, exercise bikes and treadmills.

The program is staffed daily with certified USA Boxing instructors and trainers. Boxing services include aerobic training, footwork and hand speed training and basic boxing techniques. After several months of learning and developing boxing skills, participants may begin sparring exercises. Umar sends boxers to amateur competitions throughout the United States, including the National Silver Gloves Championships (ages 15 and under), the National Golden Gloves Championships and the U.S. National Boxing Championships in Colorado.

Umar’s Board of Directors include the following professionals:

Mr. Adam Cizek, Esquire
Adam is an attorney and Partner with Whiteford Taylor. Adam holds a B.A. from Salisbury State University and a J.D. from the University of Balt. School of law. Adam is a member of the Maryland State Bar Association. Adam handles legal matters on behalf of Umar.

Mr. Ben Horgan
Ben is Director of Ignatian Service at Loyola Blakefield and was formerly Campus Minister and Spiritual Formation Department Chair at Red Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Ben has a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy from Bates College.

Mr. David Schorr, CPA
Dave holds B.B.A. from the College of William and Mary, an MBA from the American University and holds an active CPA license in the State of Virginia. Dave serves as Board Chair for Umar and manages all finance and accounting functions for Umar.

In the fall of 2012, the Umar Boxing after school program had thirty eight (38) students take the Brigance math and reading test the day of their program registration. At the end of the fall semester, the same students once again took the Brigance test. Overall students showed an average increase of grade level of 1.6 in math and 1.2 in reading. Jonay Cunningham, a fifth Grader showed the highest increase among females 3.2 in math and 2.0 in reading. Tyrez Countess a third grader, showed the highest increase among the males, 2.0 in math and 2.5 in reading.

In March 2012 five (5) Umar students won the state Golden Gloves Boxing Championships. The dedication, discipline, sacrifice and attention to listening and following directions required to win the Golden Gloves will help the students in all aspects of Life, especially in Learning.