Founded in October 1994, Project Action's innovative approach to preventing juvenile crime makes use of the over 35,000 dance, gymnastics and martial arts schools across the country which provide positive peer groups and role models to millions of American children. However, at an average cost of between $1,000 - $2,000 a year, these types of character building activities are totally out of reach to our target group. Most of our scholarship children fall into multiple risk categories and are referred into Project Action by law enforcement agencies, school counselors and other social service workers. Although tuition, uniforms and equipment are provided by the scholarships, the children "pay" by turning in their report cards. Most children have shown remarkable improvement after receiving their scholarships.

        World Heavyweight Karate Champion and Project Action co-founder, Jim Graden states "The physical arts are uniquely suited for the personal development of children, stressing such values as respect, discipline, courage and integrity while also teaching goal setting skills and instilling a positive work ethic." Barbara LaFleur, Project Action Board Member, and founder of one of the largest chains of gymnastics schools in the southeastern United States, exclaims "What's exciting is that we're turning potential gang members into future community leaders."

        In a rising epidemic of juvenile crime further fueled by government spending cuts for prevention/intervention programs, Project Action is self sufficient and multi-community based. Sponsor Studios (the life blood of Project Action) accept a significantly reduced tuition for Project Action students and also host fund-raisers, the proceeds of which fund scholarships at the studio. Project Action has Sponsor Studios in 12 states and is rapidly growing.

• Project Action received Independent Funding Company's 1995 Charity Project of the Year Award. I.F.C. is a national association of over 2,000 independent karate school owners.
  
• Project Action is supported by the Pinellas County Juvenile Welfare Board.
  
• Project Action was nominated for the 1996 Governors Community Investment Award and received an honorable mention signed by Florida Governor Lawton Chiles and Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Calvin Ross.