Since 2011, Handshake America has been partnering with local high schools to identify student-athletes who demonstrate grit and coachability. These students are teamed up with successful professionals who help translate lessons from the playing field to success in life. They coach — not mentor — these students on what success looks like and how to achieve it through their Five Practices of Success (perseverance, passion, positivity, people, and presence) — which includes a proper handshake. Upon completion of the yearlong program, each student is awarded a postsecondary scholarship.
This program currently operates in 4 regions, including Western North Carolina, Central Ohio, Atlanta (GA), and Charlotte (NC) and has coached 510 student-athletes for success in life and awarded over $600,000 in scholarships. Their students have gone on to attend 135 colleges in 26 states.
If you are interested in learning how you can become a Handshake America Coach please visit www.handshakeamerica.org/coaches or contact WNC Region Leader Chris Foster (cpfoster82@gmail.com).
