Three young men smiling and joining hands in a supportive gesture indoors.

welcome to the beginning of something great!

Empowering At-Risk Youth In Austin.

Name: The Fit Chance Project
Address: Austin

At The Fit Chance Project, we believe every young person deserves access to structure, movement, and mentorship - regardless of their financial situation. That's why we fully fund gym memberships, sports programs, and enrichment activities for at-risk youth in Austin.

Our mission is to remove the financial burden from families and give teens the chance to grow stronger - physically, mentally, and emotionally - in safe, supportive spaces.

When you support FCP, you're helping cover the cost of second chances.

Donate Now

Refer A Youth

Empowering Our Youth

A joyful girls' soccer team celebrates together on the field with a soccer ball.

Our Mission

The Fit Chance Project exists to transform the lives of at-risk youth by providing access to fitness, mentorship, and structure — creating a safe path toward discipline, confidence, and lasting change. We use the power of movement, community, and opportunity to turn struggle into strength, helping young people rise above adversity and realize their full potential.

Boy in a hoodie boxing a punching bag outdoors at sunset.

Our Vision

Our vision is a future where every at-risk youth in our community has access to positive, structured environments that support their physical, emotional, and social development. We envision a generation of young people who are resilient, confident, and empowered to rise above adversity — equipped with the tools, discipline, and support to build stronger lives and stronger communities.

About the Founder

Bold white text 'FCP' and 'FCPSTRONG.ORG' on black background with white border.

Founder | Juvenile Probation Officer | Advocate for At-Risk Youth

Marcos Rodriguez is a passionate advocate, public servant, and the founder of The Fit Chance Project (FCP) - a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth through structured fitness programs and athletic opportunities. Marcos currently serves as a Juvenile Probation Officer in Travis County, Texas, where he works directly with youth involved in the justice system. His daily experiences have given him firsthand insight into the challenges many young people face - from unstable home environments and financial hardship to peer pressure, trauma, and a lack of positive outlets. Throughout his career, Marcos has witnessed the critical need for structure, discipline, and healthy community in the lives of underserved youth. He saw far too many teens with potential slipping through the cracks - not because they lacked motivation, but because they lacked opportunity. Motivated by this reality, Marcos founded The Fit Chance Project as a way to intervene and provide youth with access to gyms, sports teams, and extracurricular activities, using fitness for at-risk youth as a tool to build confidence, resilience, and a brighter path forward. He believes that when young people are given a chance - and someone who believes in them - they can transform struggle into strength and change their future.

Through FCP, Marcos is creating that chance!

He's giving these youth their Fit Chance!

Youth justice in travis county: the stats that matter

Every number tells a story - and in Travis County, the story is clear: our youth need more support, structure, and opportunity.

The Reality

52% of youth in custody at Gardner-Betts Juvenile Justice Center are considered at high risk for reoffending.

Source: Austin Monitor, 2024

In 2022, 45,214 juvenile referrals were made statewide in Texas, with 81% referred by law enforcement.

Source: Texas Juvenile Justice Department 2022 Statistical Report (TJJD)

Youth involved in the juvenile justice system are at risk of recidivism rates nearing 50% in the absence of intervention programs.

Source: [Texas Criminal Justice Coalition (TCJC) Youth Justice Report]

Community and structured support reduce reoffending risk by up to 70%, according to research on diversion and mentoring initiatives

Source: [National Institute of Justice & Annie E. Casey Foundation]

The Good News

Travis County's Transformative Youth Justice Initiative reduced violent reoffending by 92% among its first cohort.

Source: FUSE Corps, 2024

Community-based interventions like The Fit Chance Project are proven alternatives that work - before deeper justice system involvement occurs.

Why FCP Matters

By fully funding access to fitness programs, sports teams, mentorship, and safe community time, The Fit Chance Project addresses root causes of youth recidivism - before the system does.

Why should you donate to the fit chance project?

Give a Youth a Fit Chance

Too many young people in our community are facing real challenges - poverty, broken homes, trauma, and a lack of positive structure. As a Juvenile Probation Officer, I see it every day: incredible kids, full of potential, slipping through the cracks simply because they don't have access to the right support.

The Fit Chance Project exists to change that.

We connect at-risk youth to gym memberships, sports teams, cheer and dance programs, summer camps, and other fitness-based opportunities that help them build discipline, self-worth, and direction.

For many, this is the first time someone has invested in their growth - physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Where Your Donation Goes:

Every dollar helps us:

- Fund gym memberships for teens who can't afford them

- Cover registration fees for sports, dance and cheer programs

- Provide gear, uniforms, or transportation

- Partner with local gyms and coaches to mentor and guide our youth.

This isn't just a donation - it's an intervention, an opportunity, and a life-changing moment for a kid who needs it most.

Your Impact Starts Now

We're a grassroots movement with a powerful mission: turning struggle into strength. And we need your help to keep it going.

Please consider making a one-time or monthly donation today.

You're not just funding fitness for at-risk youth - you're building futures.

Thank you for believing in our youth.

Thank you for being a part of their Fit Chance.

-Marcos Rodriguez

Founder, The Fit Chance Project

marcos@fcpstrong.org

#FCPStrong

be part of something great!

Become a Founding Sponsor of FCP Today!

We're launching a movement to give at-risk youth the structured support they need to thrive - and we're inviting a small group of partners to stand with us from day one. As a Founding Sponsor, your business or organization will play a key role in building that vision from the ground up. Whether you're a local gym, small business, or community ally, your sponsorship directly funds access to safe, healthy, life-changing opportunities for youth in need.

Sponsor Now

welcome to the beginning of something great!

Empowering At-Risk Youth In Austin.