American Youth Council

The GOALS (Going Over and Above in Leadership & Service) program is a new partnership for the American Youth Council, Inc. with schools, coaches, counselors, law enforcement and substance abuse intervention organizations.

AYC believes that high school athletes are 'game changers' and have the potential and influence to model and change behaviors in their peer groups. In particular, the GOALS  program is structured to address the pressing need for intervention into the use and abuse of alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs that are plaguing U.S. schools.

The curriculum for the program is based on the U.S. Government Learn and Serve program:

• K-12 Service Learning Format - partners high school athletes with elementary and middle school students
  
• Has a powerful Youth Voice -  in generating ideas, designing and planning, implementation, and in creating an environment of trust and open expression of ideas
  
• Is tied to grant funding requirements - enabling schools and sports teams to qualify for substantive national grants
  
• Is linked to curriculum - provides enrichment of existing school subjects and teaches students how to transfer skills from one environment to another
  
• Develops citizenship standards through addressing community needs
  
• Creates Sustainable Outcomes 
• Develops healthy team disciplines:
                     RESPECT
                     DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
                     LEADERSHIP
                     CONFLICT RESOLUTION
                     OVERCOMING STEREOTYPES
                     GROUP DECISION-MAKING 

Meet our G.O.A.L.S. program Ambassador Chris McClendon.  Chris was one of the top high school football players in the state of Georgia, playing quarterback at Stephenson high school.

In his senior year in 2005, Chris was tragically injured in a car accident, breaking his neck in two places and his back.  Today Chris is partially recovered and walking, and speaks to young people and student athletes about Choices and 'Get Real' Llifestyle Decisions.

Chris is available for speaking engagements to schools from elementary to high school, and for all student events including assemblies, team meetings, conferences and sporting events.  Please contact us below for more information.