The Choices Program is a 14-16 week program designed for 7th-12th graders and delivered weekly through a partnership with the school system or organization. The Choices Program helps young people find their passions, identify their personal gifts and learn about the potential professional paths related to their combination of passion and talent. Through education, awareness and assistance, each student is motivated to grow and flourish becoming self-aware and self-confident.
The Choices Program consists of 5 Phases: Launch, Discovery, Application, Execution, and Expo/Gala. The Program begins with a one day event to launch the entire program which includes inspirational Speakers featuring Jonathan Bender, an overview of the Program, students pledging to participate and more.
Phases 2, 3 and 4 will be implemented through weekly interactive discussions via Skype and weekly video segments. The goals of the Discovery Phase include: Rewire of participants outlook and intake, Self-awareness, Self-discovery, Self-purpose, Identify what their passions are, Identify what talents they possess, Identify what success is – their own personal definition, Learn how to set goals and Involvement with the Choices Program website.
This is followed by the Application Phase in which the students will apply their new found knowledge and engage in practical lessons. The goals of this Phase are: Seek interests within desired career paths based on passions and talents, Seek role models and/or mentors, Create an Action Plan with Next Steps for continued and ongoing growth, Continued involvement with the Choices Program website and Engagement of local groups to further development.
The Execution Phase is where the students will learn actual business skills. This Phase will cover each main segment such as financial literacy, marketing, etc. teaching the students how to become a successful entrepreneur, inventor or even how to successfully participate in an internship program. All facets of the program will be supported by a curriculum specifically designed to help students identify their passions, their unique talents, and the various paths available towards careers that are directly relatable to their gifts and interests.
The Choices Program ends with an Evaluation Section, an Expo celebrating each student’s progression throughout the Program and a Gala in which the students will graduate from the Program. Continuing education will be provided to ensure the sustainability of the Program for each student’s ultimate success.
Pilot Programs are being launched in Mississippi, Georgia and Texas with the addition of other states as the Program grows. The ultimate goal is to have The Choices Program in every school nationwide so every student learns how utilize their talents and passions to run a successful business or be successful in any position in a business.
The Choices Program Testimonials
Being a principal of a high school, I am always looking for ways to encourage and motivate my students to do well. This includes preparing them academically and helping them to understand the value of making the right choices, which comes with rewards and/or consequences. One venue that I use on a regular basis is providing inspiring motivational speakers for the students to hear.
Jonathan Bender’s CHOICES Program is one that I have found that fits that need. We at Columbia High School had the dynamic opportunity to have Jonathan Bender and his program presented to our students. The program provided such a diverse presentation that keeps the students interested, motivated, and on the edge of their seats . . . wanting more. His program was energetic, high-spirited, engaging, and met the needs of a variety of students and families. The students were very excited throughout the program and kept that positive momentum throughout that year.
We, as a staff, used his words and encouragement to remind students on a regular basis about the benefits of making good CHOICES.
In addition, we had students who have built relationships with some of the presenters/mentors in the Choices Program. These people have maintained a positive, encouraging relationship that has helped our students want to do better and to make better choices and it changed the path of several students.
I would highly recommend Jonathan Bender’s CHOICES Program.
Sheila W. Burbridge
Principal of Columbia High School
Columbia, Mississippi
I was blessed to have had the opportunity to coach Jonathan Bender for three years while he was a student at Picayune High School in Picayune, MS. He was a tremendous player, but more importantly a better person and leader.
Jonathan came a year ago and spoke to our Junior High and High School students about his Choices Program…the students were very attentive. I do believe it had an impact on our students at Picayune Junior and Senior High School.
Dean Shaw
Superintendent of Picayune School District, Pearl River County
Picayune, Mississippi