COBA Students Begin First Day as Yard Goats Ushers at Dunkin’ Donuts Park
Hartford, CT – March 30, 2025 — A new chapter began for a group of ambitious students from Charter Oak Boxing Academy (COBA) as they stepped into their new roles as ushers at Dunkin’ Donuts Park on March 29, 2025. The milestone marked the culmination of their participation in the COBA-Yard Goats Vocational Program, a workforce development initiative designed to provide local youth with practical job training and professional experience.
Their debut came during a special collegiate baseball match between Central Connecticut State University’s Blue Devils and Coppin State University’s Eagles — a high-energy game that served as the perfect backdrop for the students’ first official shift.
The COBA-Yard Goats Vocational Program, launched earlier this year, prepares students for employment at the stadium through job-readiness workshops, customer service training, and hands-on mentorship. Those who successfully completed the program were hired by the Hartford Yard Goats organization and are now proudly representing the team as ushers for upcoming games and events.
“This is a moment of pride for COBA, our students, and the community,” said Pamela Floyd-Cranford, Director of Higher Learning at COBA. “The students earned this opportunity through commitment, resilience, and professionalism, and now they get to put it into action at one of Hartford’s premier venues.”
The partnership between COBA and the Yard Goats reflects a growing focus on community empowerment and youth employment. For the students, many of whom are gaining their first official work experience, the position offers more than just a paycheck — it’s a stepping stone toward future careers and personal growth.
Fans in attendance applauded the students' enthusiasm and warm hospitality throughout the game, creating a welcoming atmosphere that set the tone for an exciting season ahead.
