Our Programs

The iBELIEVE Foundation strives to provide opportunities to Appalachian youth for the development of 21st Century Skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving. Ultimately, our ambitious goal is to increase collegiate attendance and retention in the 13-state Appalachian region.

The Need

97% of Americans believe our students need “real world” skills to be successful beyond high school, according to the Leadership Conference Education Fund, National Survey on Common Core (2015). Yet, Appalachian students attend college at rates as low as 35% - far below the national average of 63%, according to the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Our Guiding Principles for Student Learning

Our programs are based on concepts of experiential learning. We believe that all students have a natural potential for learning and that meaningful learning involves the whole person, including thoughts and feelings. Knowledge that is self-discovering and socially-supported is the most meaningful and is most likely to make a difference in behaviors.

Our programming puts these concepts into action, as we equip students with the interpersonal and executive skills that support back-at-school learning. Through individual and group activities, challenges, and moments for reflection, our delegates seize the opportunity to return to their schools and communities to become impactful leaders, and with the vision, drive, and skills to pursue their dreams!