Have you ever gotten yourself LOST trying to find your own way? Your GPS is stuck on “recalculating,” the signal on your cell phone non-existent, and you’re unsure of whom to even ask for help! Internally you’re a mess, your emotions run wild. One moment you’re fine, you quickly jump over to panic, and then you find yourself just plain angry or near tears. If you had the benefit of a 30,000-foot aerial view, this would be no big deal…you could get your feet pointed in the right direction and navigate your way out. Instead, even though there may be countless people around you, you find yourself feeling incredibly ALONE.

In life, many of our teenagers today feel the same way, LOST and ALONE. They are not sure which way to turn, whom to ask for help, or what to do with the resulting emotions. One thing is for sure: In the wake of poorly navigated emotions lies destruction.

According to the “2013 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey” (Center for Disease Control), among high school students:

• 1 in 4 (25%) has been in a PHYSICAL FIGHT in the prior 12 months.
• 1 in 5 (20%) has been BULLIED on school property in the prior 12 months.
• 7% have been threatened or injured with a WEAPON on school property in the prior 12 months.
• Nearly half (47%) have had SEXUAL INTERCOURSE (34% within the 3 months prior to the survey; 15% with 4 of more people during their short lifetime).
• 1 in 10 (10%) girls has been RAPED.
• During the prior 12 months, 30% have experienced extended periods of SADNESS (lasting 2+ weeks).
• 17% have seriously considered, 14% made a plan, and 8% attempted SUICIDE in the prior 12 months.

However, if someone who has gone before them (and in the process gained that 30,000-foot aerial view) could help them find their way, then the outcomes would be completely different.

ElevateStudents is a character-based and leadership development program designed to help students navigate the uncharted territory of their teenage years. By charting a course that elevates students’ character, self-esteem, academic success, and leadership abilities; teenagers learn to point their feet in the right direction and take steps that open doors of endless opportunity. ElevateStudents replaces hopelessness with help by…

1. Providing HEROES in the form of coaches: Everyone needs up-close heroes in their life, reiterating and modeling the values they’ve hopefully heard and seen for years. Therefore, each student will be placed on a team of 6-8 students with one or two carefully chosen coaches.

2. Teaching students to choose a life of HONOR: Much of life is a series of choices. Through interactive curriculum, students will learn to evaluate their choices and make decisions based on what honors (elevates) themselves, their futures, and others.

There is an old African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” ElevateStudents is committed, alongside parents and educators, to be part of the village that helps students find their way as they navigate the transforming years between child and adult.