Mark Wahlberg may be a household name in Hollywood, but behind the scenes, he’s spent more than two decades focused on something far more lasting than box office numbers — helping young people build better futures.
Through the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, which he co-founded in 2001 with his brother James, Wahlberg has committed to improving the lives of inner-city youth across the United States. The mission is rooted in his own personal story. Growing up in a tough Boston neighborhood, Wahlberg faced serious challenges as a teenager, including legal trouble and a lack of direction. Those early experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to making sure other young people have the guidance and support they need to take a different path.
The foundation focuses on providing real, ongoing access to educational, recreational, and enrichment programs. It works closely with local schools, nonprofits, and community centers to support everything from after-school sports and mentorship programs to college scholarships and substance abuse prevention efforts. For Wahlberg, it’s about building infrastructure around kids who too often fall through the cracks.
In 2025, the foundation has continued to expand its reach, with new partnerships launched in cities like Detroit, Los Angeles, and Chicago. These efforts help bring much-needed funding and attention to programs that keep kids off the streets and help them stay in school, pursue higher education, and build confidence in their future.
Wahlberg himself remains deeply involved. He frequently visits schools and youth organizations, shares his own story, and encourages kids to believe in themselves — even when the odds are against them. He has also continued to advocate publicly for criminal justice reform and access to mental health support for at-risk youth.
“It’s about helping kids make good choices,” Wahlberg has said. “I know how easy it is to make the wrong ones. But I also know what it means to have someone believe in you when you don’t yet believe in yourself.”
Through both steady investment and personal dedication, Mark Wahlberg is using his influence to uplift the next generation — giving back not just with money, but with mentorship, time, and lived experience.
Source: Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation
