Rick Zeitlin, Regional Director of the DEAEF YBP, with students at the baseball clinic.
DEAEF and DEA Philadelphia’s Operation Engage Bring Winter Baseball Programming to Philadelphia Youth
In January 2026, the DEA Educational Foundation (DEAEF) partnered with the DEA Philadelphia’s Operation Engage initiative to deliver two baseball-based youth programs in Philadelphia, providing students with positive outlets, mentorship, and physical activity during the winter months.
The week-long effort reached more than 150 students across two schools, combining athletic instruction with messages about healthy choices and drug prevention.
The morning program took place at Francis E. Willard Elementary School, where the DEAEF Youth Baseball Program (YBP) was integrated into physical education classes for students in grades 3 and 4. From Tuesday through Friday, approximately 120 students were coached by Rick Zeitlin, Regional Director of the DEAEF YBP, as they learned baseball fundamentals, participated in scrimmages, and engaged in team-building activities. Each class received hats and t-shirts, with select students earning baseball gloves and prizes through games and skill-building challenges.
A current DEA agent visited the school to speak with students about the importance of making positive choices, staying away from drugs, and engaging in healthy activities such as sports.
“In wintertime kids don’t go outside, and because of these programs, it allowed them to get their sillies out and move their bodies, even though they were not outside.”
In the afternoons, programming continued at G.W. Childs Elementary School in South Philadelphia, where the DEAEF YBP served the same group of approximately 26 students each day throughout the week. Participants received baseball gloves, hats, shirts, baseballs, and additional items provided through the DEAEF and DEA Operation Engage partnership.
As part of the program, Frank McCartney, a DEAEF representative and former DEA employee, delivered a motivational talk that resonated strongly with students, reinforcing the importance of confidence, perseverance, and positive decision-making.
The programs were especially impactful during the winter months, when many children have limited opportunities for physical activity. “In wintertime kids don’t go outside, and because of these programs, it allowed them to get their sillies out and move their bodies, even though they were not outside,” shared Zeitlin.
Scrimmages were a key highlight of the week, with students taking on leadership roles and learning teamwork in a structured, supportive environment. The program also emphasized sustainability and local ownership. Luke Dougan, the physical education teacher at G.W. Childs Elementary, supported the program throughout the week and will be continuing the DEAEF YBP at the school this winter and spring.
“I want to reach out to Coach Rick and say thank you for hosting the children’s baseball clinic at G.W. Childs. My son in Ms. DeJesse’s third grade class absolutely loved it! He has now fallen in love with baseball and would really like to get signed up for lessons or a team once the season starts up. … Thanks again for hosting such a beneficial program for the kids.”
According to Coach Dougan, students repeatedly asked when the program would return, expressing enthusiasm and excitement for ongoing engagement. A new baseball program at G.W. Childs is set to launch immediately following the DEAEF and Operation Engage visit, extending the partnership’s impact beyond the week-long initiative.
After the session, a parent sent a message to say, “I want to reach out to Coach Rick and say thank you for hosting the children’s baseball clinic at G.W. Childs. My son in Ms. DeJesse’s third grade class absolutely loved it! He has now fallen in love with baseball and would really like to get signed up for lessons or a team once the season starts up. … Thanks again for hosting such a beneficial program for the kids.”
Through its continued collaboration with the DEA’s Operation Engage, DEAEF remains committed to delivering youth-focused programs that promote healthy choices, build trust, and strengthen community connections, one city and one classroom at a time.
Updated Feb 21, 2026
Partnerships, YBP