In the wake of the legendary Ken Block’s passing, a phoenix emerged from the ashes – the 43 Institute (43i.org). More than a memorial, it stands as a living testament to Ken’s ethos, a dynamic force that seeks to perpetuate his spirit and impact on the world. Rooted in four foundational pillars, the 43 Institute is not just an organization; it’s a pathway to empowerment. The 43 Institute states “Our mission is to create paths of opportunity for the exceptionally driven who may lack the proper support system for growth and success in action sports, motorsports, and the creative arts.” I believe this is by far the coolest organization in existence. The 43 Institute donates to communities through 4 pillars” Mentorship Pathways, Creating Access, Skills Development, and Improving Mental & Physical Health. With these pillars, the organization can give back to those in need and aim for how they choose to give back. 

Mentorship Pathways

At the core of 43 Institute is the belief that mentorship is the catalyst for growth and transformation. It honors Ken Block’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of trailblazers. Through mentorship pathways, the institute connects seasoned professionals with eager minds, fostering a continuum of inspiration and knowledge transfer. 43i is partnering with Sports Management Mastermind to help educate action sports athletes with professional development skills including career path planning and sponsorship attactration. These skills can be make or break for new athletes, and something as simple as mentorship guidance can be the difference they need.

Creating Access

Ken Block was all about breaking barriers and pushing limits. The 43 Institute carries this torch by creating access where it’s often lacking. Whether it’s opening doors to educational resources, providing opportunities for hands-on experiences, or broadening access to spaces traditionally reserved for a select few, the institute ensures that everyone, irrespective of background, has a shot at realizing their potential. To do this, 43i has partnered with Stoked, a foundation focusing on closing the opportunity gap with board sports. Many sports have a high cost of entry and Stoked aims at getting kids out into the world of board sports teaching life skillsalong the way. There are many parallels to being successful in your career and on a board. Stoked makes it possible to become more than you thought and having that kind of access is what Ken fought for throughout his career.

Skills Development

In the world of Ken Block, skills weren’t just tools; they were weapons of mass creation. The 43 Institute, in homage to this philosophy, is committed to skills development. From honing technical prowess to fostering creativity and innovation, the institute is helping to provide a platform for individuals to sharpen their skills. They do this through two ways, one is a scholarship through Woodward Camp. This scholarship allows up to 3 individuals to pursue action sports careers with mentorship, skill development, and financial support. The other way they support skills development is through another scholarship program at Palomar College. Ken was able to start DC shoes with support from a teacher while attending Palomar College. He learned to screenprint shirts launching the brand as well as his creative vision. These two scholarships can be life-changing for the individuals who receive them, and I love that they are so specific to Ken and his life experience. Not everyone will become the next Ken Block, but trying to push people beyond what they think they are capable of is a great start.

Improving Mental & Physical Health

Lastly, Ken Block understood that a sound mind and a healthy body are the foundation of success. The 43 Institute takes this wisdom to heart, advocating for the holistic well-being of its community. Through initiatives addressing mental health, physical fitness, and overall wellness, the institute ensures that individuals are not just equipped with skills but are resilient, balanced, and ready to navigate life’s twists and turns. Founding an in-house initiative called Project Brain Bucket, this pillar aims to provide helmet donations to local organizations. The importance of a helmet is unarguable, but as a kid, I didn’t take it seriously. Project Brain Bucket aims to reverse that by educating younger generations about the importance of brain health. There will be more to come here in this pillar as the 43 institute gains more traction and can offer larger impact programs.

In addition to the core pillars, the 43 Institute introduced the Ken Block Flat Out 43ver Tribute Award. This accolade along with a check for $1,430, is given at each ARA rally event to celebrate the driver who went the hardest and never stopped. It recognizes sheer determination, unwavering commitment, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The Flat Out Award encapsulates the spirit of “Just ain’t care” that Ken Block embodied throughout his career, inspiring others to push their limits and leave nothing on the table. Another very cool initiative continuing the spirit of pushing forward even when you don’t think you can. I was lucky enough to see Ken driving at the 2018 ARA Rally in Portland, OR. He certainly went hard and would have probably received his own check if it had been handed out back then.

The 43 Institute isn’t just a memorial service for Ken’s legacy; it’s a guiding star illuminating the path forward. It’s a call to action, an invitation to embrace Ken’s creed through mentorship, opportunities, skills development, prioritizing well-being, and recognition of the unwavering spirit of “Just aint care” mentality. It’s a living embodiment of his commitment to pushing boundaries, breaking norms, and inspiring others to do the same. As the institute continues to grow, so will the impact, echoing the spirit of a man who lived life on his terms. The Late Brake is a huge supporter of what the 43 Institute is doing and will continue to be a champion of their work. If you can, I urge you to donate to this amazing organization and continue the legacy of the man who made us all fall in love with cars. Your support will directly go to the next generation of car enthusiasts, motorsport junkies, action-sports stars, and creative minds and I can’t think of a better thing to do with your money.