Kickstart Kids

Kickstart Kids is a martial arts character development program non-profit organization, formed by Chuck Norris on August 16, 1990 as the Kick Drugs Out of America Foundation.

This article is about the charity. For other uses, see Kickstart (disambiguation).
Kickstart Kids
FormationAugust 16, 1990 (1990-08-16)
FounderChuck Norris
TypeNon-profit organization
PurposeBuilding strong moral character in our youth through martial arts
Headquarters10222 Westheimer Road
Location
Area served
Global
Membership
Middle school &
High school students
Official language
English
CEO
Chuck Norris
Key people
Chuck Norris, co-chair
Gena Norris, co-chair
Staff
87
Websitewww.kickstartkids.org

History

On August 16, 1990, the Kick Drugs out of America Foundation (dba Kickstart Kids) was formed by martial artist, actor and philanthropist, Chuck Norris.[1] He wanted to provide a martial arts program that came at no cost to the students, a program that would teach kids all the valiant traits the martial arts has to offer.

In 1992, with the help of former President George H. W. Bush, the program was officially implemented in four schools in the Houston area: Burbank, Central, Hamilton, and Hogg.

Today, the program operates in over 59 schools throughout Texas. The program is taught in mostly middle/junior high schools and some high schools.[2] They currently serve more than 9,500 of today's youth, making a positive impact in their lives by teaching character through karate.[3]

In 2003, the foundation was renamed to Kickstart Kids (it still maintains its official name as Kick Drugs Out of America Foundation, but now it has added a "dba" – doing business as – Kickstart Kids).

The stated mission of Kickstart Kids is to teach character through karate to empower youth with core values, such as discipline and respect, to achieve their greatest potential.[4] Kickstart is a center for kids to defend themselves at any moment in need.

References
  1. "Official Home of Chuck Norris". Archived from the original on 2016-02-17. Retrieved 2016-02-16.
  2. "Rating for KICKSTART KIDS". Charity Navigator. Retrieved 2017-04-25.
  3. "No Report Found". Bbb.org. Retrieved 2017-04-25.
  4. "About KSK". Kickstart Kids. Retrieved 2017-04-25.


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