The WardBoy Project: Creating Lasting Impact in the Bay Area Community

Ward Boy Project Images

In communities where resources are limited and opportunities are few, sports can become more than just a game—they become a lifeline. That’s the foundation of the WardBoy Project, nonprofit created by NFL brothers Terrell “TJ” Ward and Terron Ward, which has transformed the lives of hundreds of young people across Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area since 2016. The WardBoy Project’s impact on the community goes far beyond the football field. It offers a multi-layered approach to youth development, combining free athletic clinics, academic scholarships, and mentorship programs to help children grow as athletes, students, and citizens. Through annual events like the WardBoy Youth Football Academy, young participants receive coaching from professionals while also gaining essential life skills such as discipline, leadership, and teamwork.

Ward Boy Project Images

What makes the WardBoy Project unique is its commitment to academic excellence. The organization awards High Scholastic Achievement Scholarships to students who demonstrate dedication both in the classroom and in the community. Additionally, the Walk-On Athletic Scholarships help student-athletes pursue college athletics even if they’re not initially recruited—opening doors for those who might otherwise be overlooked. Another powerful initiative, the D.R.A.W Mentorship Program, connects youth with mentors who provide consistent guidance on topics ranging from academics to emotional health. These one-on-one and group sessions are designed to help youth become “Developed, Responsible, and Accountable WardBoys”—a mission that reinforces personal growth alongside professional goals. But perhaps the most visible sign of the WardBoy Project’s impact is the community unity it fosters. Events like the Annual Bay Area Crab Feed and Bay Area Golf Tournament bring people together for more than food and fun—they create space for shared purpose, collective giving, and lasting relationships. These gatherings strengthen community bonds and raise critical funds to sustain and expand the organization’s programs.

Ward Boy Project Images

“Our community has always supported us,” said Terron Ward in a 2023 interview. “This project is about returning that love—and building something greater for the next generation.”

The WardBoy Project proves that when athletes use their platform to invest in their hometowns, the ripple effect is profound. From mentoring youth and providing scholarships to creating spaces where communities come together, this nonprofit has become a beacon of hope and opportunity in the Bay Area.