I CHALLENGE MYSELF INC

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I Challenge Myself encourages and supports New York City public high school students to embrace challenges as  opportunities to learn and grow, to develop healthy lifestyles and prepare for college and the workforce.

Startling statistics underscore the reason why I Challenge Myself exists:

• 30% of NYC high school students are overweight and obese, with the highest rates among Black and Latino teens
• 1 in 5 of NYC’s Class of 2011 high school graduates were considered prepared for college
• New York State has the lowest four-year high school graduation rates in the U.S. for African-American and Latino males-- a disturbing 37%.

The Cycling Smarts program provides opportunities for high school students to increase their self confidence while also increasing their levels of physical activity and fitness through long-distance cycling (including a 1-day 100-mile bike ride), combined with cross training, nutrition workshops, self-reflection and goal setting.  In 2013 they are integrating career exploration workshops and bike tours to colleges in the New York Metropolitan area during the school year programming to help students on their career journey.

Our Impact So Far

Since February 2005,  I Challenge Myself has directly served over 700 public high school students in the Bronx, Washington Heights, Harlem and indirectly over 600 1st to 12th graders in the Bronx and Washington Heights.   

Results from an external evaluation revealed that:

• Over the course of the year, more than 81% of students either increased their fitness levels or obtained the highest possible fitness scores at initial testing and maintained that score throughout the year. 
• 100% of participants improved their overall cycling skill scores.
• 93% of students felt they learned to push themselves and felt a sense of accomplishment.
• Most students reported a greater ability to focus in class, as well as positive changes in their well-being.

We invite you to learn more about us by visiting our website: www.ichallengemyself.org and thank you for your support!