Project: Excel is a wellness initiative designed to influence South Carolina youth to make healthier choices, become more physically active, and grow both intellectually and emotionally; emphasizing the potential to explore a future career in health and wellness. Founded by Brian Conner and Daniel Andreu in 2016, Project: Excel seeks to extend their passion for personal fitness, total wellness, an
d wellness careers to the next generation. With a combined 20 years of wellness-related experience, Daniel and Brian’s vision is to see South Carolina youth grow to become leaders in their communities and the future leaders of the growing wellness industry. Project: Excel: utilizes a mentor-instructed after-school program to instruct its participants in four wellness specific areas:
Exercising with Limitations: gives instruction on functional and feasible exercise taking into consideration the unique barrier of our program participants (eg. Eating for Life will teach participants the importance of nutrient-rich food sources and how to eat healthily, practically and affordably. Esteem for Oneself: teaches our participants how to develop positive self-image and healthy routines that aim to nurture healthy bodies and minds. Finally, Enthusiasm for wellness: empowers participants to impact their communities through wellness-related service opportunities and introduce them to the growing world of wellness-related employment opportunities through guest speakers and activities that contribute to career preparedness. The students will engage with wellness mentors during the program year for both traditional and interactive learning objectives. The program serves 10th – 12th grade students and will progress from more instructional program design for 10th graders, to more service based engagements for 11th graders, and will focused on career preparedness for Seniors. Project: Excel hopes to formally launch in the Richland One School System in the Fall of 2017.
