Playworks Massachusetts Difference Maker

  1. Updates

A’lece Mark, a junior at Northeastern University and captain of the women’s basketball team, took an active role in volunteering for Playworks Massachusetts this year. With her large passion for the game of basketball and desire to give back to the Boston community, A’lece volunteered to help run and organize a Girls’ Basketball Extravaganza for 33 Playworks schools in Boston and Lawrence. The event brought more than 100 fourth and fifth grade girls from 33 partner schools together to learn and practice basic basketball skills while drumming up excitement for the upcoming season. The extravaganza got everyone’s heart pumping by passing, shooting and dribbling while cheering and high-fiving.

As a result of her volunteer efforts, many of these girls have now been exposed to the game of basketball and a college campus. This event would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of A’lece. Playworks Massachusetts is grateful for A'lece's commitment and dedication to the girls’ basketball season this year.

More Updates


June 9, 2023

Celebrating our Junior Coaches at Junior Coach Graduation ›

On Saturday, June 3, over 85 Junior Coaches and their families gathered at the Lilla G. Frederick School to celebrate a year of hard work and leadership from these 4th and 5th grade student leaders. For many students across Boston, Lawrence, New Bedford, and beyond, being a Junior Coach is their favorite part of the…

students jump-roping
students jump-roping

May 31, 2023

The Significance of Play in Children’s Mental Health ›

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re exploring research around this topic and how play (and Playworks) can make a difference. The urgent need to support children’s mental health  The pandemic increased the loneliness and isolation that people, especially children, were feeling. As children re-entered school buildings, people quickly realized that academic recovery from…

April 7, 2023

Rock Paper Scissors Tournament 2023 ›

Rock, Paper, Scissors (RPS) is Back and Better Than Ever as Playworks Hosts its First RPS Tournament Since 2018 On April 6th, Playworks hosted Boston area professionals for a night of fun competition with its first Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament event since 2018. More than 60 players contended for the coveted grand prize, a uniquely…