Our Impact on Youth & Community Safety

At Athletes Meeting Excellence (AME), we recognize the urgent need to address the alarming rates of gun violence impacting our youth. As the leading cause of death among young people in the U.S., gun violence has devastating effects on families and communities. It’s critical that we take action now to help change the trajectory for the next generation, guiding them away from violence and towards opportunities for success, mentorship, and positive engagement.

Gun Violence: The Crisis Among Our Youth

Gun violence has become an undeniable epidemic affecting youth across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gun violence is the leading cause of death among U.S. children and adolescents, surpassing even car accidents. In 2021 alone, nearly 4,400 children and teens lost their lives to gun violence, a number that has continued to rise year over year.

Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S.
More than 14,000 gun-related deaths occurred among youth under 18 between 2019 and 2021.
A disproportionate number of youth impacted by gun violence come from underserved communities, where access to resources, education, and mentorship is limited.

AME’s Commitment to Preventing Violence & Promoting Safety

At AME, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to live in a safe community, free from the fear of violence. We take a holistic approach to youth development, focusing on mentorship, education, and sports to engage young people and offer them the tools to make positive choices. Our programs are designed to keep youth off the streets, provide safe spaces for personal growth, and help them understand the importance of community, leadership, and conflict resolution.

Mentorship: A Key to Preventing Violence

Mentorship plays a vital role in deterring youth from engaging in violence. By providing consistent support, guidance, and role models, we can help young people develop resilience and make better decisions, steering them away from the dangerous path that gun violence often represents. Research shows that youth who have mentors are:

55% more likely to enroll in college
45% more likely to have fewer behavioral issues
78% more likely to hold leadership roles

AME’s mentorship programs connect youth with trained mentors who help them set goals, navigate challenges, and prepare for future success. These connections build trust, emotional resilience, and positive community relationships.

Engaging Youth Through Sports

Sports have long been recognized as a powerful tool for personal development, offering young people an outlet for self-expression, discipline, and teamwork. Through our sports programs, we not only help youth develop athletic skills but also teach them valuable life lessons about conflict resolution, perseverance, and leadership. Our athletes learn to channel their energy into positive activities, avoiding dangerous situations and fostering connections that last a lifetime.

Over 90% of youth involved in AME sports programs report feeling more connected to their communities and less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
Sports provide a safe, structured environment where youth can learn the value of teamwork, respect, and responsibility.

How AME is Making a Difference

Scholarships & Educational Support: Since 2013, AME has helped youth earn over $5 million in scholarships, opening doors to higher education and career opportunities. By investing in education, we offer youth a future beyond the streets and the dangerous influences that lead to gun violence.
Youth Leadership Development: Our leadership programs teach youth how to resolve conflicts peacefully, build community trust, and advocate for change. By empowering the next generation of leaders, AME is cultivating a culture of safety and respect that extends beyond sports.
Safe Communities: We work directly with communities affected by gun violence to create safe spaces where youth can engage in positive activities. Our outreach includes workshops on conflict resolution, trauma recovery, and mental health awareness to help families and communities heal and thrive.

The Need for Action

Gun violence is not just a statistic; it’s a crisis that devastates families, communities, and futures. But we can make a difference. By investing in youth development, mentorship, and community safety, we can break the cycle of violence and create a path for young people to lead fulfilling, impactful lives.

Youth involved in mentorship programs are 55% more likely to graduate high school.
Mentored youth are 63% more likely to volunteer in their communities.
Communities with stronger youth engagement see a 25% reduction in youth crime rates.

Join Us in the Fight for Safety

You can make a difference. Support AME in our mission to provide a safe environment where youth can grow, thrive, and lead their communities toward a future free from gun violence. Whether through donations, volunteering, or becoming a mentor, your involvement helps us continue to make a lasting impact.