The past 25 years have seen dramatic changes in our economy and culture, making it difficult for young people to thrive. Social media, academic pressure, student debt, the high cost of living, and divisive politics have reached a tipping point in America.
According to a 2023 Harris Poll, 45% of people ages 18 to 29 are living at home with their parents, the highest level since the 1940s. While having your kids around is nice, we want them to be independent. 74% of the survey respondents agree that younger Americans face a "broken economic situation that prevents them from being financially successful."
In July 2024, SASF conducted a survey and focus groups to understand these problems better. (Read the report)
There is some good news. Despite the hand they've been dealt, young people today are energetic, open-minded, and creative. When they have problems, they talk about it. When they see opportunities, they go for it. They know how to use technology to solve problems. Compared to my generation, they are more progressive and socially aware. They value authenticity. But they can’t escape the complicated environment they live in. That's where Strive for Strength comes in.
Our mission is to mentor young people to develop good habits and make wise choices in a chaotic world that has too many choices. We are focused on five Core Areas:
- Financial Literacy and Economic Security,
- Mental Health and Wellness,
- Career Development,
- Building Healthy Relationships, and
- Basic Skills for Living Independently
Our first program in 2025 is the Financial Literacy Boot Camp. It starts on February 5, 2025.
For more than 30 years, SASF has mentored young people, my kids included, through sports, Teens Create Dreams, the original Strive for Strength, Sports for Life, and SPARK. As the new Program Director for Strive for Strength, I am building on the original program started by Julie Ota and her daughter Tricia Ota in 2007. Please consider being a Strive for Strength mentor or sponsor so the program can offer more services to our participants.
With your support, we can set our young people on a path to a bright future!
Ted Fong, MBA
Program Director
SASF Strive for Strength
sasfprograms@gmail.com