Serving more than 3000 students
in 40 programs located in California, Georgia,
Illinois, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio,
Tennessee, Texas and Washington DC

A non-profit foundation committed to
empowering high school students
by providing them with the tools to lead active lives
and make healthy choices for a better future

In our programs, we encourage students to make
positive life choices that improve their physical
and mental health through exercise, teamwork, gratitude,
nutrition, and community service

Offering after-school fitness
and wellness programs in
inner-city high schools

Serving more than 3000 students
in 40 programs located in California, Georgia,
Illinois, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio,
Tennessee, Texas and Washington DC

A non-profit foundation committed to
empowering high school students
by providing them with the tools to lead active lives
and make healthy choices for a better future

The j.k livin Story

About us

The just keep livin Foundation was founded by Camila and Matthew McConaughey with the mission to empower high school students by providing them with the tools to lead active lives and make healthy choices for a better future.
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Camila and Matthew McConaughey
Programs

What we do

The just keep livin Foundation implements after school fitness programs in 45 inner city high schools/sites across 19 cities in the United States.
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As people we are scared of the unknown, just like kids are afraid of the dark. Have courage to find out what you don’t know and continue learning about what you do. Life is a challenge. Have courage.” – Matthew McConaughey

Demographics

Our impact

We currently serve more than 3,000 students at 45 programs located in Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Washington DC.
3000 Students
45 Programs
19 Cities
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“You cannot respect others unless you respect yourself. You cannot trust others until you trust yourself. Respect and trust yourself.” – Matthew McConaughey

How to support

Just keep giving

There are many ways you can support our work and help give students in our communities the life skills they need to thrive
Donate

Matthew McConaughey

April 2025

“CHASE YET
Success is often a place we find ourselves unexpectedly in rather than a place we actually pursued. If you confidently chase a life of your dreams, you will find a surprising and unexpected success that those who don’t, won’t.
CHASE YET”

-McConaughey

Updates & Inspiration

Our Foundation Video
Watch us in action!
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“I am grateful for jkl, it’s like my home away from home. I’ve never been good at sports, but here everyone is so positive and motivates me to achieve my workout goals. I feel really comfortable here.” – Damian

In the spotlight
Michael Ralph Ellison

“Interning at the just keep livin Foundation was an enriching experience for which I am truly grateful. The highlight of my internship was working behind the scenes, which revealed the immense love and effort poured into all the programs across the states by the jkl staff.”

Student Spotlight
12th grade scholar Michael came to the Ralph Ellison JKL program to hang out with his friend, but little did he know this would be one of his best decisions as a senior. Community service was a mental switch for Michael, as he thought he was joining to get credit for his senior graduation. However, […]
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“I’ll be managing my academic path and life on my terms.”

Recent News

Matthew and Camila launch Greenlights Grant Initiative

After the tragedy in Uvalde at Robb Elementary School, our founders Matthew and Camila went to Washington to advocate for reforms to reduce gun violence and bolster school safety. This

Mack, Jack & McConaughey 2023: Over $11 Million Raised!

Alright Alright Alright! Year 11 of Mack, Jack & McConaughey in the books! Mack, Jack & McConaughey (MJ&M) is the annual joint fundraising effort of Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey,

JKL Alumni Reconnect and Enjoy the Outdoors

A group of our JKL alumni enjoyed a weekend camping trip at Lake Perris Campground in Moreno Valley, CA. Students learned how to pop their own tent, build a fire

WISE Scholarship: Meet Dalila

We are thrilled to highlight Dalila, an exceptional young woman who was one of our first WISE Scholarship participants. As the only female recipient this year, Dalila has demonstrated an

Program Highlights

Just Courts + JKL A heartfelt thank you to Just Courts for their generous donation installing a new pickleball court at our L.B. Landry High School JKL site in New

WISE Scholarship Update

We want to introduce you to our newest WISE Scholars: Henry Orantes (left), Jacob Roman (middle), and Jacob Aldrete (right). All have been working hard to meet all program requirements and

JKL Students Go the Distance

The students of Juan Navarro High School laced up their running shoes once again to take on the annual Austin Marathon, demonstrating their dedication, perseverance, and team spirit. Determined to

Ralph Ellison JKL Students Learn CPR & First Aid

The students at our Ralph Ellison JKL program received First Aid and CPR training from local retired firefighters in Chicago. This invaluable opportunity for our students allowed them to learn

JKL x KABOOM

Students in Uvalde have partnered with “KABOOM: Wild About Playing” to create the 9th play space for the local community.

JKL x DARE TO LIVE RIGHT

The students at John Adams received brand new sneakers, courtesy of the “Dare To Live Right” (DTLR) community outreach program, which aims to uplift and revitalize local minority communities.

November Program Highlights

Healthcare Heroes Healthcare workers shared their expertise to students at Juan Navarro Early College High School, hosting a hands-on career panel on Wednesday, October 30th in partnership with the just keep

WISE Scholarship Update

Our WISE students are looking forward to a second great year! All three candidates are on track with earning points and have planned several upcoming activities to help them continue exploring possible

JKL Partners with the Kevin Love Fund

On Tuesday, September 10th, 50 of our JKL students from Animo Inglewood and ASLA met with NBA player Kevin Love and film director Jarelle Dampier on the Sony Pictures lot

Summer Program Highlights

Catalina Island: Animo Inglewood took 30 students to Catalina Island for an enriching summer program, offering them the chance to explore, learn, and create countless memorable first-time experiences with their

Teacher Training 2024

The 2024 Teacher Training theme, “We INSPIRE, We MOTIVATE, We MAKE IT HAPPEN” was embraced with high energy, enthusiasm, and gratitude throughout our three-day teacher training event. Over 90 JKL

Program Highlights – Annual Beach Day and Field Days

Beach Day:  Our 8th Annual Beach Day in partnership with the Jimmy Miller Foundation @jmmfoundation was a huge success! Thank you to all the volunteers who made the day possible

Corepower Yoga Teacher Training x jkl

We are proud to expand our partnership with CorePower Yoga (CPY) which began with the introduction of in-studio hot yoga classes in Texas and California this past spring. Providing JKL

Wise Scholarship Recipients

Just Keep Livin and the Steele Family Foundation have partnered to create a JKL/WISE Scholarship forthree freshman students at Animo Inglewood Charter High School. This scholarship will provide studentswith a

Program Highlights – Student lobbying day on Capitol Hill

Students from our jkl programs in Texas, California, Tennessee, DC, and Louisiana attended our secondannual student lobbying day on Capitol Hill.  This passionate group of students converged, armed notwith textbooks,

Uvalde

On March 2nd, our JKL Uvalde program had the chance to explore the University of Texas. The grouptook a comprehensive tour of the campus, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, and

Matthew and Camila launch Greenlights Grant Initiative

After the tragedy in Uvalde at Robb Elementary School, our founders Matthew and Camila went to Washington to advocate for reforms to reduce gun violence and bolster school safety. This

Mack, Jack & McConaughey 2023: Over $11 Million Raised!

Alright Alright Alright! Year 11 of Mack, Jack & McConaughey in the books! Mack, Jack & McConaughey (MJ&M) is the annual joint fundraising effort of Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey,

JKL Alumni Reconnect and Enjoy the Outdoors

A group of our JKL alumni enjoyed a weekend camping trip at Lake Perris Campground in Moreno Valley, CA. Students learned how to pop their own tent, build a fire

WISE Scholarship: Meet Dalila

We are thrilled to highlight Dalila, an exceptional young woman who was one of our first WISE Scholarship participants. As the only female recipient this year, Dalila has demonstrated an

Program Highlights

Just Courts + JKL A heartfelt thank you to Just Courts for their generous donation installing a new pickleball court at our L.B. Landry High School JKL site in New

WISE Scholarship Update

We want to introduce you to our newest WISE Scholars: Henry Orantes (left), Jacob Roman (middle), and Jacob Aldrete (right). All have been working hard to meet all program requirements and

Monthly Newsletters

Explore all of j.k livin’s recent updates in our newsletter archive.

the j’s for just, the k’s for keep, the l’s for livin