Learn.
Lead.
Leverage.

A recognized, results oriented leadership foundation that
has been positively impacting the lives of students since 1993.

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ALL-NEW PROGRAM:
Create Your Edge

Our Create Your Edge program provides a proven step by step model for athletic leadership teams to develop the plan and the process for executing that plan to create the behavior, culture, accountability an Edge to optimize team performance. As a coach and team leaders, you can spend time on the front end establishing and communicating expectations and standards or you can spend time on the back end dealing with player-related issues.

LEARN MORE TO START CREATING YOUR EDGE

IDEALS alumnus Mike Macdonald, now Head Coach of the Seattle Seahawks, has led his team to victory in Super Bowl LX.

‍Mike has been featured twice on the Knowledgecast Podcast—first in Season 1, Episode 3 while serving as Defensive Coordinator at the University of Michigan, and again in Season 7, Episode 1 shortly after being named Head Coach of the Seahawks.His journey reflects the kind of leadership IDEALS seeks to develop—leaders who pursue excellence, grow through discipline, and aim to be a positive influence in the lives of others.

Listen to Season 1, Episode 3 PodcastListen to Season 7, Episode 1 Podcast

Young people today are facing issues and pressures previous generations did not have to deal with. They need a firm foundation to help them navigate through these challenges to live productive and meaningful lives. IDEALS’ Developing Your Life Signature™ Program is your answer!Learn more

IDEALS Leadership School 2026

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 IDEALS Leadership School! This is for high school junior male/female athletes nominated by the students' athletic director.Learn more about the IDEALS Leadership School and complete application here

Who is the IDEALS Foundation, Inc.

IDEALS is a 501-c-3 Foundation established in 1991 focused on being a positive impact in the lives of young people. IDEALS’ goal is to help young people develop the leadership and life skills necessary to live meaningful and productive lives. Learn more

The Question

Jack Williams shares his personal journey that began in 1993 to determine the values, principles and beliefs that would guide his life. Whether you are a spouse, parent, grandparent, friend, leader, educator, coach, or mentor, Jack’s I Believe statements apply to all of the roles he plays during his lifetime and can do the same for you. Now available in paperback and audio book.

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What People Say About IDEALS

The IDEALS leadership Program has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It greatly improved my ability to flourish as a leader on the athletic field and was huge in helping me off the field. I have used so much of what we learned through my college days at Georgia Tech and will continue to do so as I now start my business career.

IDEALS Alumnus
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For any high school athlete who wants to make a difference, the IDEALS program is a MUST! I’m still using the skills I learned as I complete my college career. IDEALS provided me a competitive advantage and I don’t intend to ever lose it.
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Student
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This program has been an amazing opportunity for my daughter. She comes home eager to share all she has learned and how it will help her in the future. I am grateful she was able to experience this.
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Lizz Dobbs
Parent

Just like Nike, I would say just do it! The IDEALS Leadership Program is more than just an 8 week program. It’s a life changing program! The skills that are taught allow your child to use them the rest of their life. They are not the same when they entered the program. They have a changed positive mindset to make a difference.

Marie Wilson
Parent

I’ve been extremely impressed with the IDEALS Leadership program and what it does for the young people who participate. It provides an opportunity for good leaders in schools to become excellent leaders for all of the students. It is a great way to supplement the local school leadership programs.
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Principal
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The IDEALS Leadership Program is one of the finest programs for young people that I’ve encountered in 35 years of teaching and coaching. It’s right on the button with timely and vital experiences for today’s student athletes who are tomorrow’s leaders. The participants from our school have benefited tremendously from the program and they have brought their new skills back to make a positive impact in our school.

High School Coach