Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

The Urbandale Activities Department celebrates 12 years of J-Hawk Foundations during the 2024-2025 school year.

Launched in the fall of 2013 in partnership with the Institute for Excellence and Ethics (New York) and The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, J-Hawk Foundations was inspired by a research-based approach similar to that used within Drake University’s athletic programs. Utilizing tools from the Excellence with Integrity Institute, the program empowers students to navigate the diverse challenges of high school life.

Over the past 11 years, J-Hawk Foundations has addressed a wide range of topics, including communication, resilience, integrity, stress management, goal setting, and personal responsibility. While the program has evolved, its core mission remains: to provide students in activities with skills and insights that go beyond their experiences on the field, court, or stage.

After a hiatus during the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19, the program resumed and has continued to expand its reach and impact.

This Year’s Program

J-Hawk Foundations
  • A comprehensive initiative open to students across all activities.
  • Three program-wide sessions will be held throughout the school year.
Emerging Leaders
  • Designed for students in Grades 10-12.
  • Over 150 students have been nominated by coaches and directors to participate in 2024-2025.
  • Includes 7-10 leadership-focused sessions.
Program Work
  • Led by coaches and directors during the school year.
  • Focus areas include:
    • Goal Setting: Tools to help students set and achieve meaningful objectives.
    • Compact for Excellence: Establishing a shared vision of values and expectations.
    • Program Analysis: Engaging students to assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
    • Stress Management: Providing strategies to manage stress during competitive seasons.

J-Hawk Foundations continues to enrich the student experience, equipping participants with lifelong skills and leadership qualities while fostering personal and team growth.