CHOOSING TO EXCEL
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CHOOSING TO EXCEL
Making a Difference, One Life at a Time.

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”
— Hadiyah,

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.”
— 10th Grader

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.”
— JW

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!”
— Di’Anka Moton

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.”
— 10th grader

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.”
— Mentee
 
 
 
 
“Even if our circumstances aren’t ideal, we all need a little arrow to show us if we’re hitting our target or not.””
— MENTEE
 
“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.”
”
— Aaron west

COMMUNITY

 

Healthy Families america
supporting pregnant and parenting families

Excel’s vision for healthy youth reaches far outside the classroom! The Healthy Families of America (HFA) is a free program that empowers pregnant and parenting families to achieve their full potential.

Participants have group meetings once a month with all the families in the program. Moms receive free diapers and wipes for attending meetings and gas cards for finding their own transportation.

  • Assists mothers/families in completing medical applications

  • Assistance in obtaining a Primary Care Physician (PCP)

  • Provides transportation assistance to prenatal and well-baby checkups

  • Aids in continuing/completing educational aspirations (High School, Trade School, College, etc)

  • Helps moms transition into independent living

  • Assists in childcare enrollment

  • Educates parents on child development and positive parenting practices

  • Offers referrals to community resources

the mommy store

The Mommy Store is available with essentials like diapers, books, safety kits, and baby clothes!

“Back when Dani was helping me, I knew I had Dani to call on. She was always present when I needed someone to lean on and she went out of her way to make sure my baby and I were taken care of. If she could not provide services, she would find someone who could.”
— Healthy Families Parent

Summer Impact
A 6-week summer experience

Our summer camp includes a reading program, field trips, exciting activities and small group sessions designed to encourage outstanding character!

Stay tuned for Summer Impact 2025! Online registration begins April 20, 2025!

“The Arkansas Out of School Network, the Arkansas Campaign for Grade Level Reading, and AETN joined together to recognize Choosing to Excel Program as a Summer Learning “Bright Spot””
— AETN

T4P
Training for Purpose

T4P Overview

🔗 Program Overview: Training 4 Purpose + Build to Last

Training 4 Purpose (T4P) and Build to Last work in tandem to empower youth and families with sustainable life and financial skills. The programs integrate:

• The three steps of the Success Sequence (graduate high school, secure full-time work, and form families with intention),

• Emotional intelligence and mental wellness tools,

• Financial literacy through experiential metaphors and decision-making exercises.

This holistic approach teaches students how to recognize and manage both internal and external assets, ultimately transforming self-worth into net worth. Through relatable metaphors (like emotional bank accounts) and community-led peer discussions, youth build purposeful, resilient lives.

 

💡 Educational Virtual Reality (EVR): The Game Changer

Educational Virtual Reality (EVR) is a groundbreaking innovation embedded in the Training 4 Purpose model. EVR bridges the gap between learning and real-life application—offering immersive, interactive, and engaging simulations that bring education to life.

🌟 Key Features of EVR:

• Career Pathway Simulations in:

o Landscaping, Barbering, Cosmetology, Catering, Personal Training

o Forklift Operation, Construction, HVAC, Electrical Safety

o STEM, Marketing, Aviation, Machinery, and more

• Accessible via laptops and computers—making tech equity a priority

• Hands-on career exploration with local professionals and tradespeople

• Youth-led engagement with trained young adults serving as peer mentors and presenters

• High retention and impact, particularly in underserved or at-risk populations

🌍 EVR’s Broader Impact:

• Improves school performance by aligning academic lessons with real-world outcomes

• Addresses cultural and educational gaps overlooked in traditional curricula

• Builds self-efficacy and vision in youth who’ve been discouraged or disconnected

• Helps develop sustainable entrepreneurial mindsets and soft skills essential for 21st-century success

 

 

🔗 Integration with the Training 4 Purpose Project

💡 Program Goals & Objectives Alignment

1. Increase financial literacy using relatable, experiential methods

✅ Build to Last uses banking metaphors to teach money management and asset-building, making financial concepts tangible and memorable.

✅ Success Sequence Toolkit emphasizes earning a stable income before major life decisions—reinforcing smart financial planning.

2. Develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness through guided reflection

✅ Build to Last includes journaling and reflection prompts that help students identify internal strengths and regulate emotions.

✅ Success Sequence Toolkit incorporates real-life narratives, helping youth reflect on personal values and life choices.

3. Promote healthy decision-making in relationships, finances, and wellness

✅ Both programs highlight the importance of intentional choices—whether it’s completing school, choosing employment, or forming families responsibly.

✅ Peer-led videos in the toolkit model real-life scenarios, showing consequences and benefits of positive decisions.

4. Foster community support systems through peer-led discussions and mentorship

✅ The Success Sequence Toolkit features youth-led videos and activities that spark discussion and peer connection.

✅ Build to Last encourages mentorship through group reflection exercises and shared success strategies.

 

📊 Impact and Outcomes Connection

• Clear understanding of the Success Sequence

🔄 Directly taught in the Success Sequence Toolkit with practical, youth-friendly language and visuals.

• Improved financial decision-making and money management confidence

🔄 Built through experiential learning in Build to Last, linking emotional awareness with financial behaviors.

• Enhanced emotional regulation and self-esteem

🔄 Fostered through self-awareness activities in Build to Last and positive identity development in both programs.

• Stronger peer relationships and community involvement

🔄 Promoted through peer-led projects, group discussion, and community-based storytelling.

• 30% increase in participant-reported clarity around goals

🔄 Reflects the effectiveness of both programs in helping youth set personal, academic, and financial life goals.

 

🧩 Summary

The Success Sequence Toolkit and Build to Last are not just complementary to the Training 4 Purpose Project—they are essential building blocks. Together, they help participants:

✅ Understand the “why” and “how” of purpose

✅ Build the skills to support it

✅ Stay grounded in a community that uplifts them


“If I wasn’t here, I would be at home smoking weed. I usually smoke before my Mom gets home. Because I’m here working out and learning life skills, my Mom is already there by the time I get home so I can’t smoke! T4P is helping me to quit smoking.”
— 10th Grader