Varsity Brands

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Celebrating a Decade of IMPACT: Varsity Brands’ Commitment to Students and Educators

Adam Blumenfeld, Chief Executive Officer, Varsity Brands

As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Varsity Brands' IMPACT program, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the remarkable journey we've undertaken and the positive influence we've had on so many students and educators across the nation. Launched with the vision to uplift and inspire youth, the IMPACT program has become a cornerstone of our mission to promote school spirit and student engagement. Over the last decade, we have served more than 5,000 schools and touched tens of millions of kids through IMPACT.

The Varsity Brands IMPACT Program is more than a partnership program. It’s a comprehensive initiative providing access to a wide range of meaningful resources such as character education, school branding, and professional development. Through IMPACT, we collaborate with educators, coaches, and students to build school pride, enhance student engagement, and foster community spirit.

Believe In You Student Empowerment Program

A cornerstone of the IMPACT program, the Believe In You Student Empowerment Program equips students with essential skills and mindsets to navigate life's challenges. This program features evidence-based digital journals ranging from 5 days to 40 weeks, focusing on proactive mental health topics. These free resources facilitate character education and school connection, empowering students to embrace their unique greatness.

A recent study by Frontiers in Sports and Active Living revealed that students using the Student Empowerment journals significantly improved their social-emotional learning knowledge, self-efficacy, and emotional regulation. Since we launched Believe In You, we’ve served over 146,000 teachers who have impacted more than 87 million students worldwide.

Believe In You Video Series and Speaking Tour

The Believe In You video series, hosted by the inspirational Kevin Atlas, educates students and staff about the power of self-belief. Kevin, nearly seven feet tall and born without his left hand, has faced significant adversity. From overcoming personal challenges to achieving success in high school basketball, earning a full athletic scholarship to Manhattan College, and playing professionally in Asia, Kevin’s journey serves as a powerful example for students.

By sharing his story, Kevin helps change attitudes and perspectives, encouraging youth to see their own problems in a new light and believe in themselves. Spanning three seasons with nine episodes each, the series stars personalities from around the country who have overcome personal challenges to accomplish the extraordinary. Notably, our honorary SURGE Chief Empowerment Officer, Olympian and World Champion swimmer Allison Schmitt, is featured as well. The series also includes lesson plans and activity guides designed to spark critical thinking.

In addition to hosting the video series, Kevin Atlas headlines the Believe In You speaking tour. Alongside a lineup of inspiring professional speakers, Kevin empowers both students and adults through engaging and motivational events.

Leadership Guides and Professional Development

The Believe In You program also includes a 20-week experiential curriculum designed to cultivate student leadership, cooperative project-based learning, and proactive mental health support. We offer in-person and virtual professional development to guide educators through implementing the program.

School Construction and Branding

Varsity Brands partners with educators, coaches and students to build school pride, student engagement, and community spirit. Through our New School Program, we have helped more than 650 schools establish a robust foundation in spirit and student engagement that endures from groundbreaking to celebration. We also assist existing schools with renovation, remodeling and expansion to create spaces that bring the ethos of their school to life.

Our research shows us that low school spirit  negatively impacts student motivation, attendance rates, community support and athletic program performance. If a student’s surroundings are void of school branding and encouragement – such as mascots logo, school colors or values – it can affect their attitude and motivation. Our experts have worked with more than 1,500 schools to develop a brand that highlights existing traditions while building the foundation for new ones.

St. Jude Game Day

St. Jude Game Day, part of our philanthropy program, is a week of engagement and activities centered around raising awareness and funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Schools can raise funds throughout the week with online and in-person spirit challenges.

The Collective

Two years ago, we launched The Collective, a partnership of 11 organizations with 7,800 and growing registered members dedicated to transforming the mental health dialogue in schools. This initiative leverages free, evidence-based resources to support schools in proactive mental health planning for students, faculty, and staff. Members include renowned bodies like The American Heart Association and Crisis Text Line, among others.

As part of The Collective, I’m excited to announce our 3rd annual Educator Empowerment Summit on July 30-31. This free virtual event is dedicated to the mental health initiatives that educators are championing in their schools. This year’s theme, “A Shining Light: Mental Health in Education,” celebrates the innovative and impactful programs making a real difference in the lives of students and teachers alike.

Join Us in Making a Difference

By investing in these programs and resources, Varsity Brands aims to empower students and educators alike, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented school environment. I invite you to join us in this ongoing journey of positive change. Whether you are an educator, a coach, a student, a parent or a community member, there is a place for you in the IMPACT program.

Together, we can continue to foster school spirit, enhance student engagement, and support the mental health and well-being of our students and educators.

Here's to a decade of making an impact and many more years of inspiring positive change in our schools and communities. Let's work together to make the next decade even more impactful.

Adam

IMPACT by the Numbers

Since launching in 2014, the Varsity Brands IMPACT Program has played a pivotal role in cultivating a positive school culture, enhancing student engagement, and empowering educational institutions to reach new heights.

Over the course of the last decade, the IMPACT Program has empowered approximately 5,000 schools and counting.

Inspiring over 87 million students nationwide, Believe In You promotes proactive mental health topics, equipping individuals with the tools to overcome challenges and achieve success. Since its inception, Believe In You has served 146,000 teachers • Impacted 87 million students worldwide • 8.6M curriculum documents downloads

With tailored support for 650+ brand-new schools, the New School Program ensures a positive and inclusive environment from the ground up. ~650 new schools impacted by the program • Groundbreaking to Celebration in 2 years

Enhancing identity and spirit for more than 1,500 schools, VIP Branding offers customized solutions such as logos, mascots, and campus branding products.Impacting over 5.39 million students, The Collective breaks the stigma and fosters community through mental health conversations in schools. • More than 5.3 million students impacted by The Collective events • 11 Collective partnership organizations • 7,868 registered members to The Collective newsletter

Resources

  • IMPACT Program: Focuses on philanthropy, character education, and social and emotional learning to enhance school spirit and student engagement. 

  • School Branding: Reimagines school brand identity, promoting excitement and community awareness. 

  • The Collective: Provides free mental health resources to address the challenges faced by today's students. 

  • New School Program: Assists in establishing a secure foundation in spirit and student engagement that endures from groundbreaking to celebration.

  • Philanthropic Program: Supports St. Jude Children's Hospital through school-wide fundraising and awareness activities, connecting students to their communities.