Trash Pandas Foundation Announces 2027 Community Programs and Opportunities

MADISON, AL – The Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation is looking ahead to 2027 with several opportunities designed to support students, educators, young athletes, and nonprofit organizations throughout North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley.

Applications and registration are now open for several Foundation initiatives, including the Trash Pandas Foundation Scholarship Program, Reading with Sprocket, and nonprofit ticket fundraising; applications for the 2027 Trash Pandas Rookies youth sports scholarship program will open later.

"Our Foundation is focused on finding meaningful ways to make a difference throughout our community, and these programs allow us to reach people in several different ways," said Mareca Watson, Vice President of Community, Client and Guest Relations for the Rocket City Trash Pandas. "Whether we're helping a student continue their education, encouraging children to read, allowing a young athlete to play, or helping a local organization raise money, we want the Trash Pandas to continue being a resource for the communities we serve."

Trash Pandas Foundation Scholarship Program

• The Trash Pandas Scholarship Program, presented by J. Alexander's, returns for its third year and will award three $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors throughout the Greater Tennessee Valley Region who plan to attend a trade school, junior college or four-year university in 2027.
• Applicants must be high school seniors during the 2026-27 school year and submit one letter of recommendation along with an essay of at least 500 words explaining why they should be selected. The application deadline is Friday, November 20 at 5 pm.

Students can learn more and apply through the Trash Pandas Foundation HERE.

Reading with Sprocket

• The Trash Pandas Reading with Sprocket program is designed to inspire and promote literacy while giving educators a flexible program that can complement their existing classroom curriculum. Over 14,000 students from the Tennessee Valley and North Alabama region participated in the reading program this past season!
• Participating educators receive materials including bookmarks, folders, and a program checklist. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a free Trash Pandas ticket voucher for a 2027 regular-season game.
• Educators must register their classes by Monday, November 16, with the program running through a completion deadline of Friday, March 5, 2027. Participation is subject to availability.

Educators can learn more and register HERE.

Trash Pandas Rookies:

• The Trash Pandas Rookies Scholarship Program will once again help give young athletes throughout the region an opportunity to participate in recreational baseball and softball.
• The program assists families with children ages 7-12 participating in city recreational leagues, excluding club and travel ball. Eligible applicants must live within 60 miles of Toyota Field and reside in Madison, Morgan, Lauderdale, Jackson, Marshall, Limestone, Colbert, Lawrence, Cullman, Lincoln (Tenn.) or Franklin (Tenn.) counties.
• Applications for the 2027 spring baseball season will open at a later date.

Families can find eligibility requirements and watch for application information HERE.

Fall Fundraising for Summer Fun:

• Local nonprofit organizations can also get an early start on fundraising for 2027 through the Trash Pandas' Fall Fundraising for Summer Fun ticket voucher program.
• Participating organizations can pre-sell undated ticket vouchers redeemable for a 2027 Trash Pandas regular-season home game. Organizations purchase vouchers from the Trash Pandas for $12 each after the presale and keep the proceeds above that amount. Organizations must purchase at least 20 vouchers to participate.
• Supporters can redeem vouchers at the Wicks Family Foundation Box Office for the 2027 regular-season game of their choice, subject to availability.

Nonprofit organizations interested in getting started can visit the Trash Pandas Nonprofit Fundraising page HERE.

Important Dates at a Glance:

• November 16, 2026: Reading with Sprocket educator registration deadline
• November 20, 2026 at 5 pm: Trash Pandas Foundation Scholarship application deadline
• Spring 2027: Trash Pandas Rookies scholarships support recreational baseball and softball participants; application information coming soon
• March 5, 2027: Reading with Sprocket program completion deadline

The Trash Pandas Foundation is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Rocket City Trash Pandas and is dedicated to educating and promoting healthy lifestyles through sport while positively impacting communities throughout North Alabama. The Foundation supports the community through youth programs, educational initiatives, nonprofit partnerships, fundraising opportunities, and other outreach efforts.

For more information on the Trash Pandas Foundation and its programs, visit TrashPandasFoundation.com.

ABOUT THE ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS
Owned and operated by BallCorps, LLC, the Rocket City Trash Pandas are the proud Double-A Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels in the Southern League. The Trash Pandas play at state-of-the-art TOYOTA Field in Madison, Alabama. The organization's mission is to unite our communities by creating positive and lasting memories one experience at a time.