We've created a unique school-wide campaign that helps students (grades 6-12) face their challenges, move beyond their perceived limitations, and live life fully through the power of community.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among America's teens, and depression is a part of life for 1 out of 5 teenagers.*
16% of America's youth are bullied on social media, and 70% of kids witness bullying at school.**
Drug use and alcohol abuse are nationwide epidemics, and as many as 40% of students are chronically disengaged from school.***
These problems present a host of challenges for school administrators and teachers across the US. They are a source of many sleepless nights for parents and made worse as social media perpetuates a disengaged society. While the problems students face vary, the source of these issues rests on one common thing, the lack of community.
What would classrooms look like if healthy communities were fostered? What would our world look like if a sense of belonging was the essence of each school's culture?
Violence, social unrest, and division plague our culture; future generations deserve better. A 500-mile pilgrimage between two best friends and one wheelchair is bringing the hope of a better future and campus-wide change to high schools and middle schools across the country.
In the spring of 2016, Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray's 500-mile journey through Spain (known as "I'll Push You") inspired the students of Shasta High School in Redding, California to revolutionize their culture. When Justin and Patrick partnered with the students, they created a month-long campaign that exceeded everyone's expectations.
The result: Over 80% engagement of students and staff, and a massive shift in school culture. Students and faculty "pushed" each other beyond the limits they believed they possessed. They faced their struggles together, and The Push Project was born.
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Through the activities and engagement fueled by The Push Project, students and staff opened up and shared their stories in powerful ways. Together they faced issues like bullying, isolation, depression, and suicide.
This change was the product of a singular truth: we find more strength together than we will ever have on our own!
By pushing one another beyond limitations and fears, they were able to achieve more, together.
Learning from the success at Shasta HS, we fine-tuned The Push Project and tried it in other schools and classrooms over 2.5 years. The results proved The Push Project could work in schools of all types and we'd like to share it with you!
The Push Project is an easy to execute 4-week campaign that engages you, your students, and your staff in relationship and amazing dialogue. The magic of The Push Project lies in the synergy created through intimate conversations and school-wide involvement.
The Push Project takes place over the course of four weeks. Two activities occur each week providing opportunities for growth to students and staff alike.
The Push Project equips student leadership with the necessary tools/resources to run a successful campaign and create a healthy, engaged student body.
The Push Project is executed with staff support. Teacher, administrator, and staff involvement significantly magnify the effects of The Push Project.
Clear and easy to implement materials take participants through The Push Project while allowing each teacher to guide their class organically.
The Push Project is easy to deploy in the classroom setting while requiring little to no prep time so teachers can remain focused on teaching!
The Push Project is designed in a way that allows teachers, students, and staff to be flexible in its deployment, providing opportunities for further dialogue.
Hear what Scott Tyler, Activities Director at Shasta HS had to say about the impact of The Push Project at his school!
The Push Project requires six weeks: Two weeks for planning and four weeks for the execution of the campaign.
This time is used to identify team members, assign roles and responsibilities, and create a calendar of events. Resources outline all necessary tasks and include email scripts to enhance communication.
This period is the two weeks prior to the launch of The Push Project. Everything necessary for your student leaders and teachers to finalize planning is clearly identified.
Classroom specific and school-wide activities introduce the concept of pushing others forward in life. Activities are video and group-based and are part of the included lesson plans.
Building on week one and digging into what healthy relationships look like, week two's lesson plans challenge staff and students to examine their struggles and share how others have impacted them.
During week three we explore the power of vulnerability and the strength that exists in sharing our stories. A part of this week's lesson plans is a writing exercise sure to challenge both staff and students.
The final week of The Push Project draws on the previous lessons ending with a school-wide assembly celebrating the accomplishments of your staff and students.
Our award-winning film is a great way to set the stage for The Push Project. Some schools use a movie night as a school fundraiser, and it's a great avenue for making parents aware of The Push Project's message.
The theatrical release of our film included some great educational content regarding the history of the Camino, Spanish Architecture, and Camino Culture. Great for English, History, or Spanish classes.
Some schools want a little extra insight into the deployment of The Push Project. We would love to spend an hour with you, your staff, and your student leaders to help ensure an excellent launch.
The Push Project is housed online for easy access and maximum flexibility.
All curriculum training, downloads, and resources are conveniently housed online for easy 24/7 access.
Lesson plans include multiple avenues for learning including video, writing, group discussion, and group activities.
Video-based training eliminates guesswork when leadership is planning and preparing for The Push Project.
Files are downloadable so you can conveniently store, manage, and share everything via your internal network.
We have created downloadable and printable artwork to help you promote The Push Project.
Questions? Don't worry; we're available to address any concerns and guide you through the process!
Based on our experience piloting The Push Project in various schools and classrooms over the course of 2.5 years, we have determined the following:
Every school program is designed with the intent of improving the lives of students. But most of them are very specific in their approach, addressing one issue at a time. All of these programs have immense value, but we approach things a little differently.
The Push Project is the only school program of its kind. Bringing educational enhancement to schools through detailed lesson plans, engaging activities, and school-wide engagement; The Push Project cultivates healthy relationships and community among students and staff, resulting in long-lasting cultural change.
The Push Project has made an incredible impact on students. Don't take our word for it, see and hear what these young men and women have to say.
The most common question we hear from educators is, "How much classroom time will I lose?" The answer: No time is lost, just repurposed!
Both Justin and Patrick come from HUGE education families, and they know how precious classroom time is! They specifically designed The Push Project to have minimal impact on instruction time, while maximizing the influence on your school.
The Push Project is typically executed at the same time in every classroom. Your school's extended class period/advisory period is ideal for the activities that occur twice a week.
Hear from Milan Woollard, former Principal and Assoc. Superintendent of Shasta Union HS District, about his experience with The Push Project !
We're incredibly confident The Push Project will exceed your expectations, and we understand investments like this can be intimidating. That's why we back The Push Project with our incredible 365-day, risk-free guarantee.
Execute The Push Project in your school and if you're not happy with the results, contact us and get a full refund! Our only request is that you tell us why.
Please contact us by clicking the button below or call us at (619) 277-2585.
"It was a great opportunity for our students to get out their comfort zone. But, I think even more so, it's a great opportunity for staff to get out of their comfort zone. To really start thinking about our community and our kids. And to think about how we can support each other and push each other to work together as a school community, to really engage with one another and ask how we can support one another. And to understand that were not individuals trying to navigate this world alone."
"I'm so excited to see how impactful The Push Project was on our community! I saw kids who normally tease and joke around with each other suddenly come together after sharing their stories. It was a very empowering moment in our school to take the time, share our stories, and be simply human with one another. The staff members got to do that with each other as well!"
"Thank you Justin and Patrick! I really appreciated how The Push Project encouraged the teachers to take some risks, as well as the students, and how it brought people together. The sense of community seems to have fostered growth and cultivated a positive experience here on campus. It was amazing to be a part of it!"
"Here’s a phrase I overheard several times today, “I’ll push you in a good way.” It was awesome and inspiring today. Thanks for "pushing" us… Love it!"
"I am so impressed with this program and the message that it sends to kids. I was out sick for the last week, but just listened to all of the clips so that the teachers and I could talk to the students today. Awesome activities that tie in "walking the walk" every day! Thanks for this!"
"The Counseling TA’s saw the testimonial video of our student TA, Raegan, where she shared her story. They brought flowers and everyone wrote a note telling her how much they appreciated what she shared and to personally thank her. Super sweet and encouraging!"
We want to make sure you have all the information you need before you enroll in The Push Project. Below are some questions.
The Push Project is a student-led, school-wide campaign designed to cultivate healthy relationships and a healthy culture in schools. The variety of activities are interactive and insightful. Employing video, reading, writing, group activities, and discussions; The Push Project meets the needs of all types of learners.
Every school program has the potential of improving the lives of students. But most are specific in their approach, addressing one issue at a time.
The Push Project is designed to impact all areas where teens struggle rather than focusing on a singular issue. The only school program of it's kind; The Push Project brings educational enhancement to schools through lesson plans and activities that help create healthy relationships and a healthy community.
For The Push Project to be effective, a school needs to have:
If your school possesses these characteristics, you're ready for The Push Project.
Ideally, The Push Project is delivered in all classes at the same. Led by Student Government and classroom teachers, one activity is executed twice a week for four weeks. While some schools may roll out The Push Project during different periods through out the day, there is immense power in every student experiencing the same thing at the same time.
The Push Project requires a few weeks of planning. The vast majority of this planning can and should be completed by student leaders or student government. When students lead something like this, there is greater buy-in from their peers.
Four uninterrupted weeks are necessary for the deployment of The Push Project. So a total of six weeks; two weeks of planning and four weeks of execution.
Yes, we offer support. In addition to the included coaching call, Justin and Patrick are available via phone and email. Just message us using the green button above.
We accept all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, AmericanExpress, and Discover.
Our "Fully Covered" guarantee is simple. If you aren't satisfied with The Push Project for any reason during the first 365 days of your license, you can get a full refund. Just email us at [email protected] and tell the reason you are unsatisfied, and we will refund your purchase.
If you have questions we have not answered, concerns about The Push Project, or would like to share your thoughts and comments, email us at [email protected].
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