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Our Story

Improving the education and well-being of Utah youth!

Coach Ron McBride, former head football coach at the University of Utah and Weber State University, has spent his entire career mentoring youth from underserved neighborhoods, helping them find a better path forward.

It’s why the Ron McBride Foundation (RMF) funds afterschool programs in Title 1 schools. These “Bridge Programs” provide underprivileged children and youth a safe environment from 3-6 p.m., with enrichment opportunities, academic support and positive mentoring.

Each program also includes snacks and some dinners. This is especially critical for Title 1 school students who often face food insecurities. Some 64% qualify for free or reduced lunch, 65% are BIPOC and 92% live in low income households. In some schools, up to 23% are homeless.

In 2025, the RMF-sponsored programs benefitted thousands of students in Ogden, Salt Lake, Granite, Jordan, Canyons and Murray School Districts.

Our Core Beliefs
Every child deserves a chance to succeed.

Creating opportunities where each young person emerges a wise and healthier leader in society.

Afford every child the highest level of academic success

Provide critical resources to accelerate learning in schools

Cherish our youth as valued members of society

Create safe and social environments where “Love You!” is ever present

Our Founder
Meet Ron McBride

Pro Golfer Tony Finau with Coach Mac

Ron McBride was born on Oct. 14, 1939. He is a former football player and coach, serving as the head coach at the University of Utah from 1990 to 2002 and at Weber State University from 2005 to 2011. Coach Mac he led the Utes to the1992 Copper Bowl, the program’s first bowl appearance in 28 years. He took the Utes to six bowl games during his tenure.

Coach Mac is a native of Los Angeles, where he was an all-city football and baseball standout at South Gate High School. He graduated from San Jose State University where he played for the Spartans from 1959 to 1962 and served as team captain his senior year. He later played professionally with the San Jose Apaches of the USA league.

Coach Mac has over 50 years of coaching experience and working with youth and young men. He is passionate about education and giving all youth the resources needed to succeed in life.

What We Do

Here’s what the Ron Mcbride Foundation means to these students.

The Ron McBride Foundation programs provide a wide variety of classes in the areas of STEM, cultural enrichment, sports/recreation, dance, mentorship and more. Academic tutoring, career counseling, character education, and Kindness Clubs are also open to students.

Most importantly, the Ron McBride Foundation’s programs are taught by teachers and mentors with whom students already have a relationship.

Best of all, Coach Mac, his former coaches and players, including many of whom played in the NFL, visit the schools frequently to provide inspiration and motivation to the students.

In short, when the Ron McBride Foundation funds a school, it becomes “Mac’s School.” Their students become his kids!

What We Believe

Every child deserves the chance to succeed.

After school, many Utah kids are given an opportunity by their parents to participate in sports, dance, gymnastics and music lessons.

But, did you know that 99,000 Utah children are left alone and unsupervised after school each day, making them vulnerable targets for:

  • Gangs
  • Depression
  • Suicide
  • Boredom
  • Social Isolation
  • Drug Abuse
  • Food Insecurity

Staff & Board

Mac’s Team

Officers

  • Coach Ron McBride

    Chairman of the Board
  • Jesse Boone

    President
  • Ken Crawford

    Vice President
  • Cash Knight

    Secretary

Staff

  • JoAnn Jacobsen-Wells

    Executive Director
  • JoLee Heaton

    Grants/Major Gifts Coordinator
  • MJ Ahlin

    Special Events Coordinator

Board of Directors

Honorary Board Members

In 2025, the former Utah great was named the 2025 inductee to the Utah Football Ring of Honor, and honored at the Ute’s home opener vs. Cal Poly on Sept. 6 at Rice-Eccles Stadium.