IN-SCHOOL
leadership team
Meet our incredible Leadership Team – a dynamic group of well-trained, committed young people who are making a real difference! Through skits, panel discussions, and dramatic performances, they challenge their peers to make healthy choices and avoid risky behaviors.By sharing their personal stories and experiences, they inspire others to join the movement for positive change. From school assemblies to youth retreats and conferences, this team is in high demand – and for good reason! #YouthLeadership #PositiveChoices #PeerPower #InspireChange
“Who could have imagined that beginning my journey with Excel programs as a summer camper, participating in GEMS and EYE Club, and ultimately joining the Leadership Team would prepare me for this phase of my life? I graduated from Howard University and Yale, and I am currently practicing law.
For this and many more reasons, I am beyond grateful for my Choosing to Excel family! We were ALWAYS challenged to “Keep the End In Mind”
Youth Leadership Success Sequence VIDEO PROJECT
Youth Leadership Success Sequence VIDEO PROJECT Comments
“I always thought success just ‘happened’ for people who were lucky, but this video project taught me that it’s really about making intentional choices. Filming this video helped me see that following the success sequence—education, job, financial stability—gives me control over my future. It was cool to work on something that can actually help other students see that too.” — [Leadership Team Member]
“I always thought success just ‘happened’ for people who were lucky, but this video project taught me that it’s really about making intentional choices. Filming this video helped me see that following the success sequence—education, job, financial stability—gives me control over my future. It was cool to work on something that can actually help other students see that too.” — [High School Student]
“Learning about the success sequence made me reflect on my own future. I see now that finishing my education first will give me better job opportunities. I also realized that financial stability is key before starting a family. This helped me set clearer goals and stay focused on making smart choices.” — [High School Participant]
“I never thought about life in steps before, but the success sequence makes sense. It’s not about being perfect, but about making good choices at the right time. I feel more confident about my future now that I have a plan to follow.” — [Youth Leader]
Career planning isn’t just about picking a job—it’s about making smart choices at the right time. The success sequence helped me understand that finishing school, getting work experience, and making responsible decisions about family can set me up for long-term success. I feel more confident about my future after working on this.” — [High School Student]
In-Class PRESENTATIONS
for grades 8–12
We strive to bring a well-balanced experience to each classroom. Focusing on character building, optimal health and risk avoidance; we have planted seeds of positive impact in communities all across the great state of Arkansas and beyond.
Gems
Girls Eagerly Maintaining High Standards
(Girls Eagerly Maintaining High Standards) is a weekly lunch club designed to empower young ladies to embrace their true selves and live with confidence and dignity. In a world full of pressure, we help our girls stand strong in their purpose, break free from unhealthy habits and negative self-images. With exciting field trips, weekend workshops, inspiring speakers, and fun celebrations, GEMS is all about building positivity, confidence, and strength as they navigate the teenage years!
“I now know more about my standards to set when going on a date. I know what rules I have and what I’ll do and what I won’t do.”
MOCQ
Men of Character and Quality
We believe the leaders of tomorrow are in classrooms today. Our goal is to connect middle school and junior high boys with mentors who can share wisdom and passion to help guide their lives. Many of our male teens come from diverse backgrounds, such as foster care, two-parent homes, single-parent households, or challenging family situations. MOCQ steps in to bridge the gap by offering mentorship, building strong relationships, and tackling real-life issues together.
“In MOCQ I learned to be a generous man and not to treat women bad, and how to be a man really.”
Eye Club
Excel Youth Exceeding
E.Y.E. Club is a dynamic group that brings together GEMS and MOCQ students at the high school level all the way through graduation. This club creates a supportive space for students to discuss real-life issues, focusing on building confidence, developing healthy relationships, and preparing for the next steps after high school—whether that’s college or another exciting path. The discussions cover important topics like the success sequence, communication skills, and empowering students to feel ready to tackle the real world with strength and self-assurance. Getting ready for the REAL WORLD We believe in being real and keeping it real to get real results.
“I’m so honored that these kids come EVERY Thursday because they WANT to. It blows me away!”
Oh! Baby
A Hands-On Experience
This program is exactly how it sounds! Our goal is to encourage our teens (7th-12th grade) to think things over and to see the enormous responsibility of teen parenting. Students participate in this program through their school health classes. Students take home an infant simulator for 1-2 nights to get a taste for what parenting is all about. They also have the option to write a 10 page research paper.
Student’s grades are determined by the quality of care they gave to the stimulator or how well they research the assigned topic.
“Even though the baby stressed me out all night, this experience showed me that I’m not ready to have a child. It shows what struggles you would face, at this age, with a child.”
Mentoring
mentoring for grades 5–12
Have you had someone make a difference in your life? Most of us have had mentors and encouragers, pushing us to reach higher. We want to be this for our teens! Through mentoring, our goal is to be a strong support system for students, believing in them and verbalizing the gold in their life. Our mentors are trained, equipped, and required to go through a background test before they begin working with our teens. Students who go through this program see significant positive differences in attitude, school attendance, grades, and behavioral issues.
Men-tor
men taking our responsibility
100 Men Campaign
“I love meeting with my Mentor Cassie, she has become one of my best friends. Since we’ve been meeting, our relationship has gotten deeper and I feel more connected with her. She has helped me with improving my grades and I’m feeling so much better about myself. I hope she never leaves.”
“Even if our circumstances aren’t ideal, we all need a little arrow to show us if we’re hitting our target or not.””
“I love it because not only am I helping someone else, but I have been blessed as well. I have learned how to be a better person, father and friend.”
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