We're facing an unprecedented crisis in youth development. As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms our digital landscape, young people are spending more time than ever glued to screens, often at the expense of their social, emotional, and physical well-being. Recent studies reveal alarming trends: rising rates of anxiety and depression among teens, declining face-to-face social skills, and a generation struggling to find balance between their digital and real-world lives.

While many youth programs continue to focus solely on academics or career preparation, Excite All Stars recognized early that today's young people need something different: something more comprehensive. Our Youth and Screen Time initiative goes beyond traditional mentorship by directly addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: helping youth develop healthy relationships with technology while building meaningful connections in the real world.

The Growing Digital Crisis

The statistics are sobering. Today's teenagers spend an average of 7-9 hours daily on screens, with social media and gaming platforms designed specifically to capture and hold their attention. These platforms use sophisticated algorithms: many powered by AI: that create addictive engagement patterns, making it increasingly difficult for young people to self-regulate their usage.

The impact extends far beyond simple "too much screen time." We're seeing increased rates of social anxiety, sleep disruption, reduced physical activity, and difficulty with face-to-face communication. Perhaps most concerning is the growing disconnect from real-world experiences that are crucial for healthy development: team sports, creative arts, leadership opportunities, and meaningful mentorship relationships. Read the full article

After-school programs in New Orleans are doing something extraordinary: they're turning everyday kids into tomorrow's leaders. In a city where 34% of children live below the poverty line, these programs create pathways to success that change everything for our families and communities.

If you're wondering how your child can develop the confidence, skills, and character they need to thrive, here are the ten most powerful ways after-school programs are making it happen right here in our city.

1. Building Unshakeable Confidence Through Leadership Training

The most transformative programs don't just keep kids busy: they put them in charge. Programs like Excite All Stars' LIT Squad (Leaders In Training Academy) take 8th and 9th graders through an intensive 8-week journey of self-reflection and growth that builds real leadership skills.

What makes this approach so powerful? Kids learn to lead by actually leading. They make decisions, solve problems, and take responsibility for outcomes. When your teenager comes home talking about the project they're managing or the team they're guiding, you're seeing leadership confidence in action.

Youth mental wellness programs are transforming how we support young people, and the conversation has never been more important. As parents, educators, and community leaders across New Orleans recognize the critical need for comprehensive mental health support, these programs are proving to be game-changers for building resilient, confident children who thrive.

The innaugural 2025 All Star Awards unfolded at the Jones Walker Law Firm on the 52nd Floor. To learn more

This past Saturday, February 8th, Excite All Stars had the incredible honor of serving as a host committee member for the 10th annual Super Fest, a football and cheer camp dedicated to empowering youth with Down syndrome and autism. Held at John Curtis Christian School and sponsored by The Matthew Foundation, this inspiring event brought together athletes, families, and community leaders for a day filled with fun, teamwork, and celebration.

It was a privilege to be part of such an amazing group committed to creating inclusive opportunities for all youth. Watching the participants showcase their energy, determination, and joy reminded us why we do what we do—because every child deserves the chance to shine.

Thank you to The Matthew Foundation for leading the way in making a difference. We can’t wait for next year! #SuperFest2025 #InclusionMatters #LeadersOfTomorrow

Excite All Stars featured in NOLA Family Magazine!

Cam Jordan makes the Excite Soccer Club’s dreams come true this Christmas season!

Honored to receive the NJTL (National Junior Tennis & Learning) Chapter of the Year for Louisiana from the Louisiana Tennis Association. (USTA Louisiana) This honor goes to many- including Tim and Jean Marie from the USTA “Blueprint for Success” program, Coach Olusa, Our Dillard Coaches- Brunella Gomez & Jesus Rodriguez, Mentor-Micah Pierce-Tulane University and all of our amazing families! Thank you all for a great year & we look forward to an amazing 2025!

So proud to have completed this amazing 3 yr journey of Capacity Building, Team Building, Planning and Strategizing, and incredible Coaching! Many thanks the USTA Foundation, USTA Southern, USTA Louisiana, and our Dream Team Mentors, Tim and Jean Marie! With gratitude, Gerald and Penny

Celebrating 10 years of the Power of Sport in New Orleans with Laureus USA during the launch of the Arctic Challenge. There were so many testimonies of how Sport has Impacted lives for Good! Thanks to Laureus USA, All of the Panelists, volunteers, fellow Sports Based Nonprofits and Advocates! Thank you Tiffany, Rachelle, and team for putting together such an amazing event.

Leading the Way, It’s in our DNA!

We are pleased to announce the opening of our Excite All Stars Innovation Center! This milestone has been 15 years in the making and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire EAS community.

If you have been moved by things going on in the world today and you feel inspired to be a part of the change, there are many ways that one can impact the situation.

In gratitude to our community partners who help push Excite All-Stars forward, we are thrilled to announce our April All Star Spotlight on: Regions Bank!