Cause Partner: STOKED

Cause Partner: STOKED

Kindhumans is proud to support STOKED, a national nonprofit that provides youth mentorship through action sports culture. STOKED creates a community of fearless leaders through mentoring, opportunity, and action – which in turn empower underserved youth to reach their full potential by instilling passion, resilience, and determination.

With deep roots in each community they serve, STOKED works to close the opportunity gap and prepare underserved students for what’s ahead.  

“Our work happens in the schools, conference rooms, on the slopes, at the skatepark and in between waves.”

– STOKED.org

In action sports culture, to be “stoked” means to be motivated, inspired, and energized. Using this concept as the foundation of their philosophy, STOKED employs the sport, culture, and industry of action sports to propel youth from underserved communities to successful futures. 

Founded in 2014 by Steve Larosiliere and Selema (Sal) Masekela, STOKED celebrates individuals that live big lives, take risks, and seize opportunities. They are a community of doers, making change and leading the charge throughout their respective industries. Every day is a reason to do better, achieve more, and make the next generation stronger. STOKED pragmatically addresses fear and crushes it with courage. Through mentorship, STOKED empowers youth and inspires leaders.

Here is a short overview of the STOKED programs:

• STOKED PREP: MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM: (GRADES 6-8) Stoked Prep Middle School program includes skateboard instruction and project-based activities including STEM and multimedia art lessons related to action sports culture. In addition, students will design and facilitate community service projects.
• STOKED FOR SUCCESS: HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS: (GRADES 9-12) Stoked for Success is their high school leadership development program, which employs action sports culture to positively impact youth. Students learn to snowboard, skateboard, and surf, as well as gain professional mentorship to become college- and career-ready.
  • STOKED TO SERVE: STOKED believes in giving back! As part of a school cohort, students will design and lead service projects with mentors throughout the year that will benefit and enrich their community.
  • WEEKEND ACTION SPORTS MENTORING: Throughout all four years, STOKED students are mentored by skilled and caring adults in snowboarding, surfing, and skateboarding to conquer mountains, waves, and city streets in a supportive, encouraging environment. STOKED action sports teach resiliency, perseverance, self-discipline, and self-esteem. Moreover, each of our sports create “common ground” where mentors, youth, and community partners can meet and share positive experiences, forging bonds that last beyond the programs.
  • AFTER-SCHOOL: Their four-year after-school program will introduce students to action sports culture through project-based learning, career workshops, physical activity, and core value workshops.
• STOKED SKATEBOARDING: (GRADES 5-12) STOKED runs short skate programs from 6 to 12 weeks for middle school and high school students during fall or spring semesters and over the summer. Students learn parts of the skateboard, skateboard assembly, skate etiquette, and basic skate skills.

Even while many school programs are on a break due to the coronavirus pandemic, STOKED continues to mentor and connect with their local communities digitally, supporting mental health through this challenging time. STOKED has a declaration of support for their youth during this critical time: “STOKED has always and WILL always be about uplifting young people and ensuring that they have access to every opportunity to succeed and excel.” 

The collaboration with Kindhumans will further STOKED’s mission to empower urban youth to reach their full potential. 

Interested in supporting STOKED? Participate in our “Kindness. Pass it on.” campaign. Every sticker pack you send provides 3.33 hours of STOKED Mentorship Programming.