The Character's Cool Contest is a program developed by the MindOH! Foundation, which is a non-profit organization that empowers youth to achieve their full potential through innovative character education programs that inspire moral and ethical behavior.

In addition to the MindOH! Foundation, the following companies and non-profit organizations have generously contributed products, funding and in-kind donations to sponsor the 2003 Character's Cool Contest. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, email contests@mindohfoundation.org.

Athletes for a Better World exists to change the culture of sport by developing individual character, teamwork, and civic responsibility through commitment to the Code for Living. ABW grew out of a need for positive mentoring for young persons today in sport. Unfortunately, stories about greed, scandal, and inappropriate behavior have become prevalent in our sporting society. Regrettably, young people are picking up this type of negative behavior despite great efforts being made by many in our communities to combat this growing trend.

ABW recognizes and accepts the opportunity that sport provides for developing character and leadership potential and in making a difference in our community and world. ABW's Code for Living provides guideposts for personal and leadership development. The Code reflects the desire to live a responsible life as an individual, as a member of a team, and as a member of society. Those who have grown up with ABW's Code for Living will have been formed by a set of values that will provide a foundation for life. Athletes for a Better World was begun so that all those who: work hard at their sport; demonstrate what it means to play fair; win or lose with grace and dignity; and give something back to their communities, can come together as one team. "One team. One goal: winning more than the game." ABW is free to join. Its program is supported entirely by those who care about the character of sports leadership and who are committed to making this a better world for all people. We invite you to join us today!

MindOH! is a Houston-based, e-learning company created to research and develop innovative, measurable character education software systems that effectively increase high school graduation rates and decrease discipline referrals, suspensions, alternative school transfers and dropout rates. MindOH!’s Discipline and Life Skills Series? (DLSS) and Education Relationship Management System? (ERMS) incorporate scientifically based research and flexible operating environments that quantify performance and adapt successfully in education, juvenile justice and youth organization facilities. The Web-based systems are designed to be self-sustaining to have a minimal impact on existing systems and allowing administrators to run the programs, to help identify cost-saving components and generate revenue streams that yield a return on investment.

MindOH! was founded in 2000 by six entrepreneurs whose collective professional experience encompasses national recognition as subject matter experts in character education; award winning contributions to educational, community and social causes; conflict resolution training and educational psychology; entrepreneurial and fast-growth companies; strategy and technology-based Internet consulting.

Mothers Against Violence in America (MAVIA) is dedicated to preventing violence by and against children through education, outreach and advocacy. Founded in 1994, MAVIA is a national leader in the field of violence prevention. Through a powerful network of mothers and fathers, MAVIA is creating strong and effective partnerships with school, business and community leaders in cities across America.

Since 1992, Project Wisdom, Inc. has been committed to helping students make wiser choices. Project Wisdom is a leading producer of character education materials that encourage young people to reflect upon the meaning of civic and personal values and the application of those values in their daily lives. The centerpiece of the program is a collection of thought-provoking messages designed to be read over the PA or in-house television system. These messages inspire and teach and take less than one minute a day to broadcast. Schools taking part in Project Wisdom report fewer disciplinary problems, greater student willingness to talk about issues, and a more positive school climate. The Project Wisdom program has been implemented in more than 10,000 schools nationwide in all 50 states.

Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) is a program of Mothers Against Violence in America and is open to all students who want to change attitudes and behaviors which contribute to violence. SAVE empowers students to create their own solutions and strategies for safer schools and communities.

Contest Supporters and Donors

Thank you to the following individuals and organizations for their generous donations and support of the Character's Cool Contest:

• Jesse and Betty Tutor
• Jennifer Vodvarka
• Project Wisdom