The Coach Val Rhodes Youth Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth, with a particular focus on underserved students and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. While prioritizing African American and Hispanic communities, we are committed to creating equitable opportunities for all students to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

In addition to our core programs, we serve as a Fiscal Sponsor for organizations and individuals aligned with our mission, ensuring transparent fund management and the effective allocation of resources to initiatives that foster youth development.

Through strategic collaborations with schools, communities, and partner organizations, the Coach Val Rhodes Youth Foundation provides scholarships, mentoring, consulting, and enrichment opportunities. Together, we are bridging gaps, eliminating barriers, and empowering the next generation with the skills and confidence to excel in every aspect of life. Join us in creating brighter futures—one child at a time.

Mission

The Coach Val Rhodes Youth Foundation provides educational support, life skills development, behavioral etiquette training, and financial literacy programs, focusing on underserved students, particularly African American and Hispanic youth. Our mission is to equip students with tools for academic, social, and financial success, empowering them to thrive in all aspects of life. As a fiscal sponsor, we ensure resources are directed to programs aligned with our mission to support those in need.

About us

Vision

We envision a world where every child—regardless of background—has access to the education, resources, and support needed to excel academically, socially, and personally. Through targeted programs in reading, life skills, behavioral etiquette, and financial literacy, as well as fiscal sponsorship opportunities, we aim to empower youth and foster stronger, self sufficient communities.

Purpose

The Coach Val Rhodes Youth Foundation exists to bridge gaps in education, social development, and access to opportunity. By offering programs in reading fluency, life skills, behavioral etiquette, and financial literacy, we prepare youth to overcome challenges and achieve success. Additionally, as a fiscal sponsor, we facilitate resources and funding for mission-aligned initiatives, enabling broader community impact.

Goal

Our goal is to create impactful, lasting change in the lives of students by offering tiered, evidence-based programs focused on reading fluency, life skills, behavioral etiquette, and financial literacy. By providing direct support and serving as a fiscal sponsor for organizations and individuals, we aim to ensure that funds and resources are effectively utilized to uplift youth and their communities.

Our Founder

Coach Val Rhodes has dedicated 47 years to education, serving as a high school principal, school administrator, science instructional specialist, instructional coach, and teacher. Of those years, 34 were spent as a high school chemistry teacher. He has also trained educators in various forms of mediated learning and reading programs to enhance student fluency and comprehension.

In 2020, Coach Rhodes was inducted into the H. Grady Spruce Hall of Fame, where he had previously been recognized as a two-time Teacher of the Year and Assistant Principal. In 2021, he was honored with induction into the Gordon Wood Hall of Champions.

Credentials

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Biology, University of North Texas

  • Master of Science in Education: Texas Woman’s University

  • Chemistry/Biology Certification

  • Principal Certification

  • MLE (Mediated Learning Experience) Certification

  • 47 Years in Education 

Life Skills and Financial Literacy

 

Reading Fluency

Youth begin with a grade-level Lexile Fluency Evaluation, which determines their tier placement and guides the appropriate interventions. Students must reach Tier 1 (Reader) in Reading Fluency before progressing to Life Skills and Behavior Etiquette programs.

  • Tier 1: Reader

  • Tier 2: Poor Reader

  • Tier 3: Non-Reader

Marquez Fluency and Cognitive Development Program
This program is led by Richard Marquez, a renowned fluency and cognitive consultant and mentor. With extensive expertise in reading fluency and education, Richard provides a structured, data-driven approach to improving reading skills, forming the backbone of this program.

Financial Literacy Programs: Preparing youth to navigate the complexities of money management and financial independence.

  • Financial Literacy: MentaMorph

    Our fiscal sponsorship for MentaMorph aims to revolutionize financial literacy education combining technology, gaming, and education in a novel way with a multi-scenario mobile game to practice and improve financial decisions, complemented by discussions and educational content.

    Modules include:

    Module 1: Currency, Income, and Expense (Budgeting)

    Module 2: Savings, Loans and Compound Interest

    Module 3: Credit Cards and Monthly Payments

    Module 4: Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth More information here:

    More information at : www.mentamorph.com

Core Life Skills: Readings, MLE, and Lessons designed for Interventions

Tier 1: Universal or General Instruction

Tier 2: Targeted Group Intervention

Tier 3: Intensive Individualized Interventions

Behavior Etiquette: Readings, MLE, and Lessons designed for interventions

Tier 1: Universal or General Instruction

Tier 2: Targeted Group Intervention

Tier 3: Intensive Individualized Interventions

Tier 4: Specialized Conflict Resolutions For Youth

Make a donation.

As a high school principal with 47 years in education, I have seen a steady decline in reading fluency, critical and analytical thinking, life skills, behavior etiquette, and financial literacy in a percentage of our youth. I have been fortunate to individually help so many young people because I strongly believe in the “Find One, Teach One” philosophy. This belief inspired me to start the Coach Val Rhodes Youth Foundation INC, a grassroots, boots-on-the-ground 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to empower youth facing challenges in reading fluency, essential life skills, behavior etiquette, and financial literacy. We understand that while many people want to make a direct impact on young lives, busy schedules and other circumstances can make it difficult. Your charitable donation can play a pivotal role in helping us bridge these gaps and positively change the lives of our students.

Make checks or money orders payable to: 

Coach Val Rhodes Youth Foundation INC. 

10206 Waterview Parkway 

Rowlett, Texas 75089 

Or

PayPal to Val@coachvalrhodesyouthfoundationinc.org

PayPal.com

Testimonials

"I've known Val Rhodes for decades. We first met when Val created plans for my son's youth basketball team, which I was coaching. After reconnecting recently, I shared that my niece had fallen behind in reading due to a tragic loss and the pandemic. Mr. Rhodes offered to help, and the results were astonishing. In just a few months, she went from struggling with basic words to reading with full comprehension. I can't thank Val enough for delivering exactly what he promised."

– Craig D. Burrus