Torch Foundation

The Torch Foundation seeks to empower and transform the lives of teens. By instilling compassion, confidence, and integrity in our youth, our goal is to create an ever-widening circle of leaders who create extraordinary results not only for themselves but also for their families and the world at large.

The Torch Foundation offers transformational leadership workshops for teens, ages 13-17, at no cost. The two-day workshops are tailored to the unique interests and needs of teens, and they provide a safe, engaging, and inspirational environment for profound self-discovery and growth. The 2 days are followed by one month of coaching by phone, one month of weekly zoom meetings, and concluding with a graduation ceremony.
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Through carefully guided exercises and activities, the teens will 1) discover their maximum potential; 2) identify the limiting beliefs and other obstacles that are stopping them from achieving their potential, and 3) learn effective ways to overcome those obstacles. The powerful tools and skills gained through this experience will allow the teens to transform their lives and create unlimited possibilities for themselves, their families, and the world.

Students are awarded full scholarships for their attendance at no cost to students. The normal cost would be $300 per student.

The Torch Foundation partners with donors, sponsors, and organizations such as schools, youth centers, and other community organizations, so that the workshops can be provided completely free of charge to teens. In the past, the workshops have been offered primarily in Southern California and Massachusetts. In response to COVID-19, our workshops are now virtual and available to anyone within any location, nationally or internationally.

The Torch Foundation has provided social-emotional intelligence training for Teens since 2002. To date, we have completed 93 workshops and 2,855 teens have completed. Over 800 individuals have volunteered to coach and support teens attending the workshops.

A total of 88 pre-and post-test pairs were analyzed. Participants ranged in age from 13 to 18, with a mean age of 14.3. Participants came from 19 different schools.

Outcomes
In general, participants reported positive experiences. Many stated that it was "powerful," "eye-opening," that it helped them get things off their chest, helped them gain friends, and handle their emotions. Some shared that they weren't expecting the level of emotional intensity (people crying and sharing emotions) that they experienced. Consistent in their reflections, the phrases "amazing" and "life-changing" were notable.

• Participants reported gaining support, feelings of freedom, relief, encouragement, new insights, and clarity.
• 100% of youth noted positive experiences gained from their participation in the Torch Training.
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• Participants expressed having a greater understanding of how to be successful leaders.
• They also expressed gaining clarity for what it will take to create successful career paths.
• Participants expressed knowledge and comfort with how they can manage money in responsible ways.
• They experienced gaining the capacity to deal with their emotions instead of bottling them up.
• They were more prepared not to get stuck in past experiences or behavior choices.
• They were more ready to speak in front of groups of all sizes with greater comfort.
• Participants expressed having a better attitude and achieving a positive outlook for themselves and their lives.
• They expressed confidence in their abilities and confidence to be kinder with others and build stronger relationships in their families.