In 2022, the Just Keep Livin Foundation reached 3,000 students across 15 cities, offering a blend of nutrition, fitness, and community service. The report notes that 94% of participants reported healthier eating habits, and 95% increased their physical activity—surpassing the national average of 70% who meet recommended daily movement.
The program’s four pillars—nutrition, fitness, wellness, and community service—are delivered in Title I schools, where students face higher risk of health disparities. Nutrition sessions include budget‑friendly recipes and visits to farmers’ markets; fitness classes cover weight training, yoga, and Zumba. A gratitude circle and guest speakers help students build mental resilience, with 90% reporting greater appreciation for life.
School performance data is equally encouraging: 75% of participants improved attendance, 82% maintained or raised grades, and 99% showed better behavior. Confidence levels rose for 93% of the cohort, and all 12th‑grade students who enrolled finished high school on time.
Community service is a core element; students logged over 7,200 hours in 2022, from beach clean‑ups to packing holiday food boxes. The foundation’s response to the Uvalde shooting—providing a relief fund, a scholarship, and a dedicated program at Uvalde High School—highlights how health initiatives can address trauma and build social support.
Financially, the foundation raised $4.78 million in 2022, spending $3.96 million on program costs, with 95 instructors and 300 volunteers. This investment translates into a $30,000 program budget per cohort, covering personnel, supplies, and community events.
For parents and educators, the takeaway is clear: integrating structured nutrition, fitness, and community service into after‑school schedules can yield measurable gains in teen health and academic outcomes. Schools looking to replicate the model should partner with local health professionals and secure community funding to sustain the program.