TEAM KIDS INC

Team Kids Challenge Program: The Team Kids Challenge (TKC) is Team Kids empirically validated flagship program. Research proving the TKC programs outcomes, collected from a randomized control trial study implemented by Arizona State University Criminal Justice Department and in partnership with Compton Unified School District, have been peer reviewed and published in four top academic journals, including the American Psychological Association Journal. The TKC is rooted in the Search Institutes 40 Developmental Assets framework, which has shown that the more assets children acquire, the less likely they are to engage in high risk behaviors (alcohol and other drug use, crime), and the better their chances of positive outcomes like school success, good health, and positive life choices. Given the high cost to society of alcohol and other drug addiction, incarceration, and so on, effective interventions with children before they hit middle and high school amount to a substantial potential return on investment, particularly in communities where such risks are known to be high.The Team Kids Challenge (TKC), is a five-week experience delivered in elementary schools with the support of police officers, firefighters, educators, parents, and business partner volunteers. The program begins with a high-energy kickoff assembly where police officers, firefighters, and Team Kids Coaches explain the concept of teamwork and their roles in the community. This is done in a non-enforcement context to emphasize collaboration, teamwork, and community service in a positive environment.Effective programs that do more than prevention are obviously even better. If interventions can prevent high risk behaviors while building capable young people with the skills and resiliency to meet the challenges of their future, then theres an even more compelling case to establish and grow such programs. Throughout the TKC, students address real-world issues like homelessness, hunger, and literacy using empathy, teamwork, and creativity. The school receives three weekly service challenges, such as collecting books or food items for those in need. Meanwhile, the oldest students serve on a volunteer Leadership Team, meeting weekly to delve into community issues, plan a charity carnival, and allocate funds raised to a chosen charity. The program culminates in a celebration meeting where students see the impact of their efforts as funds are donated to beneficiary charities. The TKC is delivered at no cost to schools and students, ensuring 100% of resources and proceeds are donated to selected charities. This collaborative effort involves Team Kids board and staff, volunteers, and various community stakeholders, fostering youth development and community strength.Program Service Accomplishments at a Glance: FOR THE FISCAL YEAR?Population Served:?K-8 Students?87% of Students served attend Title 1-funded schools?3 States: Team Kids Challenge (TKC) and Team Kids Unite (TKU) Implemented in:?CA- OC and LA?VA - Arlington (Hiatus)?AZ- Phoenix/Tempe?NY - NYC ?10 Cities: Team Kids Challenge implemented in:?CA: Irvine, Brea, Tustin, Fullerton, Compton, Lake Forest, Newport Beach?AZ: Phoenix, Tempe?NY: Manhattan (East Harlem), Brooklyn (East New York) ?# of Schools/Youth Engaged:?28 Team Kids Schools ?16,132 Students Completed 5 week Team Kids Challenge?$12,870 - Cash funds raised for charity by Team Kids student leaders?Note: These funds are raised from quarter carnival tickets sold by students at their youth led entrepreneurial charity carnivals in schools?37 - Number of charities who received Team Kids donations through TKC