For young people

Fit Futures

Strong bodies. Strong minds. Strong futures.

Our youth program brings together movement, healthy habits, confidence, mentorship, leadership, and learning.

Explore school workshops All foundation programs

A program of N.E.W. Fitness Wellness Foundation

Showing up for young people

Giving back. Growing together.

Moments of giving back and connecting with students from Coach T and Coach J's community work.

Coach T and Coach J standing with a group of children and their teacher in a classroom — Coach T and Coach J giving back to children at Christmas.

Coach T speaking with young people at the N.E.W. Fitness table in a school gym — Connecting with students at a school event.

Coach T talking with two young people beside an information table in a school gym — Making time for conversations with young people.

The program focus

Areas of focus

Fitness & nutrition
Explore movement, age-appropriate exercise, and healthy eating habits. Learn how food choices and simple meal preparation support energy, learning, and growth.
Confidence & growth
Recognize personal strengths, set goals, and try new skills in an encouraging environment. Celebrate progress, practice self-expression, and build confidence through everyday challenges.
Mentorship & leadership
Build positive connections with supportive adults and peers. Practice teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while learning to take initiative, support others, and contribute to the community.
Education & financial literacy
Build everyday life skills through interactive learning and age-appropriate money lessons. Explore needs and wants, saving, budgeting, and thoughtful choices that help prepare young people for the future.

Part of the foundation’s charitable and educational mission serving Black and Brown communities throughout Cook County and the surrounding western suburbs.

School nutrition & quick meal preparation

Fuel your future.

A proposed 60-minute school visit for grades K–8, adapted to students’ age and experience.

Students explore food groups and learn to assemble simple meals with adult guidance. Hands-on activities help them practice skills they can use at home with a parent or caregiver.

Food knowledge

Explore food groups.

Identify food groups and explore variety over the day.

Meal preparation

Practice everyday skills.

Wash hands, use clean tools, measure ingredients, and assemble a recipe with adult guidance.

Practice & reflection

Learn by doing.

A food-group activity, adult demonstration, supervised preparation, optional tasting, and a take-home recipe.

Activities for each grade group

Grades K–2

Picture-based activities and more adult help.

Grades 3–5

More measuring and student participation.

Grades 6–8

Basic label reading, budget-friendly meal planning, and preparation skills with adult guidance.

Plan a school visit.

Confirm grades, group size, space, and timing. Review ingredients, allergies, food-handling rules, and family permissions. School staff remain present.

Quick meal ideas include bean and cheese wraps or fruit and yogurt cups. The school reviews ingredients and substitutions first.

A positive learning environment.

Food conversations focus on energy, learning, and growth. No weigh-ins, calorie targets, or body comparisons.

The school brochure

Fit Futures: Fuel Your Future

Explore the workshop, grade-level activities, and school planning details.

View brochure Download brochure

Your next step

Discuss a school workshop.

Connect with Coach T for program availability, participation details, or a collaboration conversation.

Suicide & crisis support

Your foundation contact

Tanesha Travis

Coach T · Hillside, Illinois

708-372-5571 Call Coach T Foundation contact details

Suicide prevention & crisis support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Support is available for you or someone you’re worried about. In the U.S., call or text 988 for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.