Howard Glover, the visionary founder and owner of Hard Grinderz, is dedicated to empowering the underserved youth of Charlotte through mentorship, education, and non-traditional sports. Hard Grinderz after-school and summer programs offer kids the chance to engage in hands-on activities, entrepreneurship workshops, and workforce development—all while receiving academic support and guidance from mentors. It's more than a program; it's a community-building initiative that provides opportunities for growth and success, especially for those who need it most.

With the support of a Beyond Open grant, Hard Grinderz was able to purchase a van, bridging a critical gap for families who struggle with transportation. The van has been a game-changer, enabling the program to offer reliable rides to and from activities, ensuring that more children have access to the life-changing opportunities Hard Grinderz provides.

As Howard reflects, “It helped us in so many ways because our families don’t have access to transportation, and they often rely on public buses. When we started, we had about 10-15 families. Last year, it grew to 40, and this summer, we were able to serve over 115 families—thanks to the van we received through the Beyond Open grant program.”

For more information, visit https://hardgrinderz.com/