Impact Matters.

We wanted to know the impact that the Champions of Caring leadership program had on our youth participants in Philadelphia. Collaboration with Temple University led to a longitudinal study that demonstrates the longterm impact of Champions of Caring and conveys important insights into what youth need to become life-long change makers. We’re excited to share our study!

“I Can Literally Change the World”

Longitudinal Research Study

From the research study on the Ambassadors of Caring Leadership Program emerged themes that show how the program had such a powerful impact on participants. What we learned is that the program . . .

  • created a launch pad for high school students to create, execute and follow through on projects that addressed important social issues

  • established a platform for future leadership and activism 

  • fostered an environment of acceptance and belonging tied together by a collective desire to improve the world 

  • empowered students to develop lifelong skills not traditionally taught in schools such as identifying issues that resonated for each student, processing action plans, and providing opportunities and training in professional public speaking

  • harnessed the power of diverse groups of students from inner-city, suburban, private and parochial schools working together across differences

  • framed the value of learning from the past to build resolve for creating a positive future

    Principle Investigator and Author: Kimberly Goyette, Professor of Sociology, Temple University 

In their own words . . .

  • "I think Champions of Caring talked about the other structures of society and how all these problems are not individual; that there's systems. And, I think that probably did play a part in me wanting to study political science and international relations, learn how the world works."

    -Basel

  • "It was supportive and nurturing in a sense where you were open to say whatever you want, and then people will give you feedback, and people actually cared about what you'd say, and they actually listen…"

    -Natalie

  • "For me the biggest impact was really the friends I made. I didn't really have a lot of friends at school, and it was hard for me to fit in and make friends. So it was really very touching to be given the opportunity to really fit in, I think. You know Barb has this philosophy or idea that it doesn't matter what school you come from, what background you come from, what race, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic background, you're going to be accepted and embraced as an ambassador. "

    -Martina

  • "Through Champions, in high school, I've shared stages with a US president, and I was one of the keynote speakers in front of thirty thousand teachers. When I went to the African-American Museum in DC and the US Holocaust Museum, I realized that there is a place to tell your story. There is a place where there can be care."

    -Salamah

We’re taking what we’ve learned and are designing updated resources and tools to support the next generation of Champions.