Community Engagement & Opportunity Council @communityeoc

One of our greatest blessings is watching our Lil Champs grow into confident readers! Today, we're celebrating all the book lovers! Whether you enjoy long or short books, adventure stories or mysteries, books can inspire, teach, and open new doors to your imagination! 📖✨

We're grateful to partner with organizations such as JPI, Systemware, and Avondale who share our values and commitment to investing in the next generation. We can't wait to see these backpacks placed into the hands of students ready to learn and grow this school year! 💙

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In just a few weeks, FIRST KIDS and FIRST DOWN U will be back in session, and our fall sports athletes will be kicking off their seasons! We cannot wait for another season of learning and mentorship and we’re looking forward to supporting our Lil Champs and student-athletes!

This week, we're taking a trip back in time with our co-founder, Scott Turner! Before launching CEOC, Scott spent 9 seasons in the NFL after being selected in the 7th round of the NFL Draft, playing for the Washington Commanders, San Diego Chargers, and Washington Commanders!

We can't wait to welcome a new group of students to our mentorship program at SMU and continue equipping them through mentorship, leadership, and real-world experiences. See you soon, FIRST DOWN U! 🏈⭐

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A huge shoutout to JPI for opening their doors and providing such a meaningful job-shadowing experience! We are so grateful for their partnership and investment in the next generation! ✝️🙌

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"One of my favorite parts of FIRST DOWN was hearing from professionals who had once been in my shoes. Their advice and willingness to pour into us gave me a new perspective and encouraged me to pursue my goals. I'm grateful for everything I learned through this program."

Seeing students excited to sing Scripture together and eagerly share what they've read is a beautiful reminder that God is at work in every session. We're so grateful for the dedicated leaders who poured into our students each week and for the joy of watching our Lil Champs grow!

Hear from one of our mentees as he shares his favorite part of the program, why he believes other student-athletes should join FIRST DOWN, and how he's putting what he's learned into practice in his everyday life. ✝️

Happy Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙 Today, we celebrate the freedoms we are blessed to enjoy and give thanks for those who have faithfully served and sacrificed to protect them. Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and blessed Fourth of July! 🎆

This semester, our Director of FIRST KIDS and Marketing, Jennifer Davis, introduced Book Builder Kits, a new initiative designed to encourage creativity, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love of reading. Take a second to hear Jennifer share the love behind this project!

Where are They Now?💙 DeSean Davis was a part of our program during his senior year of high school. He is now pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy where he plays on the football team.💙

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We’re celebrating the first official week of summer! ☀️ This summer, we're challenging our students, mentors, and community members to make the most of every opportunity and continue to grow and develop into the people God has created them to be!

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Today, we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, mentors, coaches, and father figures who lead with strength, wisdom, and love. Thank you for the countless ways you encourage, support, and invest in the next generation. Happy Father’s Day to all these amazing men. 💙

Where Are They Now? 💙 Kayla Davis was part of FIRST DOWN during its early years. Since then, she earned her BS in Biology from Davidson College, where she was a member of the volleyball team, and is now pursuing a master's degree in Nutrition, Healthspan, and Longevity at USC!✨

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At FIRST KIDS, we work each week to help students grow in their literacy, confidence, and faith. Hearing directly from the children we serve is a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do. ✨ Take a listen to one of our Lil Champs share about his experience in FIRST KIDS!

Today, we celebrate the American flag — a symbol of freedom, unity, and the countless individuals who have served and sacrificed for our nation. Wishing everyone a meaningful Flag Day as we honor our nation's history and the freedoms we are blessed to enjoy. ❤️🤍💙

What an incredible way to close out this semester of the FIRST DOWN Mentorship Program! 💙🏈 Last week, we had our FIRST DOWN Fellowship to wrap up the semester celebrating all that God has done through our student-athletes!

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Over the years, this program has become so much more than just sessions and conversations — it’s a place where student-athletes are encouraged, challenged, and reminded of who they are in Christ. 💙 Take a listen to another one of our senior mentees!

As one of our senior mentees reflects on her experience in the program, we’re reminded of the meaningful relationships and growth that happen through FIRST DOWN. We’re so grateful for the way God continues to move through this program and in the lives of our students. ✝️