Challenge Day is a social impact nonprofit organization that runs one of the longest-running and most successful school programs in the world. Mainly designated for students between 7th and 12th grade, Challenge Day is a social and emotional learning experience designed to help young people break down walls between each other and connect in an environment of love and respect. 

The Challenge Day program is a tried-and-tested approach that incorporates interactive and energetic activities, guided by professionally trained and experienced leaders who help participants explore issues that divide and discover tools for connection and community building. The program staunchly excludes all ideologies, dogmas, political positions, and religious beliefs so that everyone can feel welcome and participate without hesitation. 

People who participate in Challenge Day report increased self-esteem, a shift in negative peer pressure to positive peer support, and a decrease in the acceptance of verbal and physical violence. 

Challenge Day History

Yvonne and Rich St. John-Dutra, both of whom worked with teens, adults, and families since the early 1980s, founded Challenge Day in 1987 and it has achieved many milestones in its 35-year history. 

In 2006, Oprah did a segment on Challenge Day and how it transformed racism in schools. Oprah famously said, “I just want to say this is how we change the world—one person at a time.” In 2010, MTV aired a series, “If You Really Knew Me,” which followed high school students who experienced Challenge Day. 

Who It’s For

Challenge Day started out as a program for teens in high school but, over the years, it has been recognized as an experience that can help many different audiences. For example, In 2007, the first corporate Challenge Day was held at Coca-Cola, and in 2019, the first military Challenge Day took place, implemented by a staff sergeant who had participated in Challenge Day when he was in high school. 

As for the core junior high/high school program, parents are encouraged to attend as leaders have found that their presence strengthens the program’s effects on teens at home. Additionally, a minimum of one adult per four teens is required, plus at least one school counselor must participate in each Challenge Day in order to provide follow-up support for students who may need additional support. 

Why You Should Participate

Challenge Day has been running for 35 years and has served more than 2,700 schools and 1.5 million students and adults. After participating in Challenge Day:

• 76% of students reported feeling less alone 
• 63% of students felt better connected to their school’s peers and adults
• 69% of students felt empowered to drive forward the change they want to see in the world

Overall, Challenge Day encourages young people to wake up and take notice of how they and others are being treated, and inspires them to implement changes they would like to see in their daily lives.