The program is led by Umps Care Charities, a non-profit organization founded by Major League Baseball umpires and hosted by Chicago Baseball and Educational Foundation (CBEA).
The program is free and participants are asked to sign up only if they can commit to attending all four sessions. Those who complete the course will be prepared to earn money as umpires in local baseball and softball leagues. Course graduates also earn a cash credit toward the purchase of their own umpiring equipment.
Weekly sessions will include classroom instruction and simulated in-game instruction in CBEA's expansive indoor training facility at UIC.
