Study after study is revealing how an ever-increasing number of American teenagers are making destructive life decisions. The Real Character program is designed to confront young people with the consequences of destructive choices (like drug and alcohol abuse, violence and bullying, premarital sex and unplanned pregnancy, depression and suicide, and crime) while teaching them how to make right choices, right now and for life!

We have designed a program that we believe can make and is making an impact in the lives of teenagers across America—Real Character. Our program consists of four key elements: Character Talks, Unique Competitions, Team Captains, and Weekend Challenges. Our website is intended to give school administrators an overview of Real Character’s successful program.

The burden behind our passion is expressed well by Stephanie, a high school senior in central Illinois. Stephanie was a beautiful, popular girl as well as the captain of her high school volleyball team; but she was hurting. On a Friday afternoon during the Real Character program, just after school let out, Stephanie approached our Director and said,

“Mike, I want you to know that I am laughing on the outside, but crying on the inside. I lost three of my friends to death this past year.”

Tears welled up in here eyes as she went on to say,

“My father left my sister and me for a woman he met on the internet. I never knew my mother. I live with my grandparents and am unhappy. Mike, how do I deal with that hurt?”