Evidence-Based. Youth-Centered. Results-Driven.

See Our Impact

Choosing to Excel is not a curriculum. It is a powerful movement. Rooted in evidence-based and evidence-informed frameworks, our work integrates different educational approaches, the Success Sequence and Training for Purpose programs to equip young people with the tools they need to thrive in school, relationships, and life.

These youth-centered models intentionally strengthen decision-making, emotional intelligence, and personal responsibility while reinforcing purpose, goal-setting, and resilience. Rather than focusing solely on external achievement, Choosing to Excel helps students build critical internal assets, character, self-awareness, discipline, and confidence, that shape long-term outcomes. Together, these approaches support:

  • Improved academic engagement and persistence

  • Healthier relationships and life choices

  • Increased readiness for workforce participation and economic stability

Choosing to Excel empowers young people to see themselves as capable, intentional, and future- focused— prepared not just to succeed, but to excel in every area of their lives.

Evidence, Effectiveness & Impact

Choosing to Excel. Proven and purposeful. Training 4 Purpose.

Evidence at a glance.

Internal awareness (strengths, values, goals) meets practical impact (confidence and decision-making).

  • Participants show increased self-awareness by identifying their strengths, values, and personal goals. They also demonstrate greater confidence in making positive life and future-oriented decisions.

  • Youth demonstrate improved decision-making by pausing to reflect, considering consequences, and choosing actions that align with positive life outcomes and long-term success.

  • Participants show measurable gains in emotional regulation, effective communication, and the ability to build and sustain healthy relationships.

  • Participants demonstrate high levels of student engagement, reflected in consistent attendance and completion rates of more than 75% across school and community settings.

Funded in part by: Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), and Division of Positive Youth Development

Why These Programs Work.

The Success Sequence provides a clear, research-aligned framework for life planning, while Built to Last deepens that framework by helping students identify, value, and manage their internal assets—much like a personal bank account for life skills.

Together, they are effective because they are:

  • Grounded in research-based youth development and social-emotional learning

  • Delivered through structured, curriculum-based sessions

  • Designed to be culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate

  • Reinforced through reflection, discussion, and real-world application

The Success Sequence and Built to Last are not one-time lessons—they are tools young people carry forward. By strengthening internal assets, emotional intelligence, and intentional decision-making, these programs equip youth to navigate challenges, relationships, education, and careers with confidence.

Because success isn’t accidental, it’s built.

See our approach

Voices From the Program

  • "I'm grateful for the self-love and confidence that C2E instilled in me, which has helped me flourish into the young woman and leader I am today."

    Jakayla Freeman

  • “I learned that my choices today affect my future—and that I have the power to decide.”

    Student Participant

  • "I’m grateful to be a part of an organization that not only supported my values through formative years, but also taught me the importance of leading with service."

    Jovoni Johnson-McCray

  • “Built to Last helped me see my strengths differently. I didn’t know I already had so much inside me.”

    Student Participant

  • "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 Cummings

  • “This program gives students language for emotions, goals, and responsibility in a way that really sticks.”

    Educator