July 2010
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It is a great pleasure to play a role within a company like LifeSkills.
I’m fortunate to be committed to a mission that is so strong, a message that pulls with such weight, and unrivaled results demonstrated by the students LifeSkills serves.
Every person, campus and student we have the opportunity to interact with walks away amazed and in disbelief that a leadership training can be so beneficial in creating lasting, tangible results.
It is that amazement and disbelief that keeps LifeSkills to its vision of completely revolutionizing the way in which students engage in their education, leadership potential and contribution to the world.
In the 2009-2010 academic year, we served another 350 students through very small group, experiential, two day professional development and leadership trainings.
We also executed another wave of quantitative and qualitative evaluation processes which measured over 125 indicators of over 25 service objectives,
and the results were beyond our expectations:
98% Increase self-motivation
99%continue to use curriculum
100% more confident
71% more confidentin resisting drugs/alcohol
98% improved in public speakers
94% develop more self-discipline
upcoming events.
98% of students graduated with increased self-esteem
99% of students continue to implement the curriculum into their lives 6+ months after
100% of students graduated LifeSkills more confident
98% of students improved their public speaking skills
And there is so much more! This sample of results in combination with the continued verbal feedback are only the tip of the iceberg of what LifeSkills is truly doing for young people everywhere!
Our nation’s institutions of higher education are at war. The relentless attacks that colleges ‘aren’t worth the investment’, ‘are cheapening education for the sake of saving money’ and ‘a college degree isn’t worth the four years wasted’ are all being sold to our young people, diverging them from the trust in and excitement of continued education. As students find themselves disheartened of the possibilities of growth, exploration and possibility through school; it is our duty as a nation to combat the disenchantment of students with real conversations and experiences that will take back the hope of education, professional readiness and career opportunities.
LifeSkills is spearheading this message and asking students to reevaluate their personal responsibility of education and personal development. After ten years of service to young people and in partnering with institutions of higher education, we are gaining ground against the naysayers :).
LifeSkills is unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of; and I’m confident you feel the same way. Your time, talents and treasure that continue to build the LifeSkills vision of transformational impact among students is a powerful statement to the world that there is opportunity, potential and betterment for our students and communities through education and development.
As the LifeSkills team prepares for the next academic year, we invite you to deepen your involvement with our organization through learning more about us and the students we serve through volunteering, collaborating or sponsoring with LifeSkills.
I look forward to the continued stewardship of Famous Dave Anderson’s mission and vision for LifeSkills. We have a long way to go; but while we look ahead, let’s take the time to appreciate what we’ve already accomplished.
On behalf of the LifeSkills Team, It’s Good to Know You Better!
Ryan B. Penneau
Director
LifeSkills