“I am inspired by the passion and dedication students in the Dallas Elevators program show for their community,” said Mike Rawlings, president of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board. “It is also wonderful to see companies like Coca-Cola engaged with our youth and involved in helping keep our city’s parks strong and vibrant. It is this kind of partnership that helps a city thrive.”
The project is a component of the unique Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola program, which encourages students to elevate their skills in the classroom, at home, in extra-curricular activities and wherever their interests lie.
“Dallas Elevators provides students with opportunities they would not normally have, and we are glad we can partner with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas to make them happen,” said Ben Lawson, director of community development with Coca-Cola of North America. “During the year, we are inspiring a generation to be involved in their community and to help others using the skills they have learned.”
Participants in the Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola program benefit from one-on-one experiences provided by leaders in the community, including Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, pro athletes such as Mike Modano and Roger Staubach, designers, chefs and artists, members of the media, and business leaders in a wide range of industries.
The Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola program includes a comprehensive pre- and post-program assessment that provides measurable results regarding the efficacy of the program.
Specifically, the assessment seeks to measure the changes that take place in students at home, in the classroom, with friends and in the way they view themselves. Results from a study conducted by Heart of a Champion, a non-profit character development organization based in Colleyville, reflected significant improvement in measurable areas of attitude and behavior.
In their home lives, students reported a significant increase in their ability to communicate with their parents (up 22 percent), and to be leaders in their own family (+26 percent). In the classroom, 92 percent of respondents felt their performance was above average or very good. In situations with friends, 96 percent felt that they were now influencing friends to make better choices.
Participants also showed a 26 percent decrease in frustration. Over the past two years, every Boys & Girls Club member involved in the Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola program graduated from high school, and each has gone on to college, a trade school, or a military career.
Companies interested in offering two-hour, one-time experiences for students in the Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola program should email carolyn@aardvarktx.com
