LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 9, 2017) – Global Game Changers student empowerment program, a Louisville-based nonprofit, has received a $1 million three-year grant from Lift a Life Foundation, founded by former Yum! Brands CEO David Novak and his wife Wendy Novak.
The grant will provide Global Game Changers the capacity to scale its transformational student empowerment program nationally.
Launched in Louisville in 2013, GGC’s programming drives the mission of providing enriching educational curriculum that empowers all children to discover their inner superpower to make the world a better place. Using a unique equation: my talent + my heart = my superpower, GGC teaches philanthropy as a tool to build character, leadership, and social-emotional skills in Pre-K – 5th grade students. GGC has served over 12,000 children in Louisville since its founding.
GGC will expand its reach and impact across the United States through intentional:
- Development of a robust interactive online platform that provides educators and students FREE access to GGC curriculum and program tools including a comprehensive repository of supplemental lessons, videos, and interactive games;
- Development of an animated educational children’s TV show aligned to GGC lessons; and
- Development of marketable branded support tools/products that can lead to economic sustainability for the organization and its mission.
GGC develops leaders and change agents. Utilizing an evidence-based free standards-compliant curriculum that focuses on building social, emotional, and leadership skills, students learn 12 different “heart badges.” Students are encouraged to cultivate their individual talents, create their superpowers, and put those superpowers into action. GGC helps educators build a positive classroom environment where students are able and prepared to learn.
The Lift a Life Foundation was established in 1999 by David and Wendy Novak. The partnership with GGC extends Lift a Life Foundation’s pipeline of preparing students for leadership roles from preschool to college through its programs with Lead2Feed, and the Novak Leadership Institute at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
“We believe that we can make the world a better place by developing leaders at every level,” said Co-Founder David Novak, former CEO and Chairman of Yum! Brands. “GGC has a breakthrough curriculum for impacting the self-esteem and leadership development of elementary students.”
“This generous grant from Lift a Life Foundation will provide Global Game Changers the capacity to build an organization with the foundation to expand our reach and become more self-sustaining so that we can change the trajectory of underserved populations and empower all children to be great citizens. I am humbled and honored by the Novak family’s belief in our work and trust in our team.” – Jan Helson, GGC Co-Founder and Board Chair
Ultimately, GGC gives students the opportunity – and the challenge – to be their own superheroes. Through collaboration, technology, and investment in human capital, Global Game Changers seeks to be a catalyst for change in the education landscape of communities across the country by providing quality, consistent and sustainable learning opportunities to all children, especially our most at-risk, that will help them develop the skills that they need to succeed in school and life.
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