NEWS

NOLA Pickle Fest 2025

September 8, 2025

On Thursday, August 8th, twelve of our amazing JKL students from L.B. Landry hit the courts for the 3^rd annual NOLA Pickle Fest, hosted by none other than the Brees Dream Foundation!

The experience was packed with energy and excitement—students were gifted with custom paddles and gear bags, learned the ropes of the fastest-growing sport in the country, and even faced off in some friendly pickleball matches.

And the highlight? Hanging out with Drew Brees himself—on and off the court! From rallies, serves, to real talk, it was an unforgettable day of fun, learning, and inspiration with a little dance party mixed in!

Program Highlights: JKL x LA Galaxy

August 1, 2025

On July 16, 2025, the just keep livin Foundation was proud to be recognized as the Los Angeles Galaxy’s Community Partner of the match! Over 50 students and family members from Animo Inglewood Charter High School and Fremont High School were invited to attend – for many, it was their first-ever MLS game experience. 

Two Animo Inglewood students had the incredible opportunity to take the field during the pre-game ceremony, where they were surprised with a generous check presentation to JKL from the LA Galaxy Foundation. While the Galaxy fell 1-2 to Austin FC, the JKL family walked away with a huge win thanks to this inspiring night. A heartfelt thank-you to our amazing partners at LA Galaxy!

WISE Scholarship Program: Meet Fabian

May 30, 2025

This month, we would like you to meet Fabian, a standout sophomore whose energy and dedication are already making waves on and off campus. From the gym to the animal shelter, Fabian brings passion, discipline, and heart to everything he does.

Fitness is a major part of Fabian’s life. Whether it’s boxing, lifting weights, staying active, or learning about health and wellness, he’s all in. He never misses an opportunity to try something new and stay active. For him, working out is about feeling strong, staying focused, and pushing yourself to be better. His dedication to fitness has even inspired him to think long-term: Fabian is considering opening his own business someday, possibly one that combines his passion for health and a desire to help others.

But Fabian’s drive doesn’t stop at the gym. He’s also deeply committed to giving back to the community. Almost every week, he volunteers at a local animal shelter where he walks dogs, cleans their kennels, and spends quality time with animals who are waiting for their forever homes. “Just sitting with them or giving them a little extra attention is a lot of fun,” says Fabian.

Fabian’s strong sense of purpose, paired with his kindness and work ethic, set a powerful example for his peers. Whether he’s helping animals in need or setting personal goals for his future, Fabian is proving that you’re never too young to make an impact.

Keep an eye on Fabian—he’s just getting started!

Program Highlights

May 30, 2025

Los Angeles Field Day Fun with LA Galaxy! 

Our just keep livin Los Angeles students enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon of energy, excitement, and connection at our Field Day, hosted in partnership with LA Galaxy! Held at the beautiful Dignity Health Sports Park, the event brought together students from various JKL programs across the city for a day focused on movement, wellness, and community.

Students rotated through five stations, one of which featured dynamic warm-ups and calisthenics led by Brendan Cosso from World Calisthenics Org. Other stations included fast-paced pickleball matches led by Pickleball Cares, spirited soccer games and kicking drills led by LA Galaxy Star Squad, and the always-entertaining water balloon toss, a favorite that brought tons of laughter and refreshing fun under the California sun.

Beyond the physical activities, the event provided a powerful opportunity for students to step outside their usual environments, meet new peers, and practice teamwork and sportsmanship. A huge thank-you to LA Galaxy for their incredible support and commitment to uplifting youth in our community. Their partnership helped create a truly vibrant, empowering, and joy-filled experience that our students will carry with them for a long time!

Honoring Our Educators

During Teacher Appreciation Week, the just keep livin Foundation’s Collegiate Baton Rouge program, along with several other JKL programs across the country, came together to honor the incredible educators and school staff who go above and beyond every day. These celebrations included wellness activities, heartfelt community support, and personalized tokens of appreciation to recognize their unwavering dedication and impact.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our amazing JKL instructors. Your passion, mentorship, and commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces for our students are the foundation of everything we do. You are the heart of these programs, and we appreciate you not just this week, but every single day!

Annual MJ&M fundraiser event

May 8, 2025

Football coach Mack Brown, singer-songwriter Jack Ingram, and Matthew and Camila McConaughey turned up (and out!) at their annual MJ&M fundraiser in Austin.

They’re a force of nature — and a force for good.

On April 24, Matthew McConaughey, 55, legendary college football coach Mack Brown, 73, and singer-songwriter Jack Ingram, 54, gathered hundreds of friends and family — including McConaughey’s kids Levi, 16, Vida, 15, and Livingston, 12 — for their annual MJ&M (Mack, Jack, and McConaughey) fundraising extravaganza in Austin.

Read the full article here: https://people.com/inside-matthew-and-camila-mcconaughey-wild-two-day-fundraising-event-and-family-date-night-11724062

Academy Sports + Outdoors Teams Up Again with JKL

May 6, 2025

Academy Sports + Outdoors made a lasting impact on our just keep livin Foundation students by treating 10 deserving participants from our Pinkston and Sunset programs in Dallas to an unforgettable $250 shopping spree. This special experience took place at a local Academy store in celebration of the exciting launch of the new Jordan Brand collection. The generosity didn’t stop there—both JKL programs were also gifted additional Academy gift cards to help purchase much needed items to enhance their programming and student experience. We are incredibly thankful to Academy Sports + Outdoors for their continued support, belief in our mission, and for creating moments that truly uplift and empower the students we serve.

WISE Scholarship Program: Meet Augustin

May 1, 2025

This month, we are thrilled to highlight Agustin, our WISE ambassador and one of our first WISE Scholarship participants. Agustin has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment and excellence, as evidenced by his 4.0 GPA, extensive extracurricular involvement, and unwavering dedication to JKL. He was also our first and only student to take an AP course this past school year.

Over the past two years, Agustin has consistently challenged himself to grow, overcoming personal fears—including horseback riding—and striving for excellence in every endeavor. He is looking forward to pursuing a career in business with the hopes of one day opening a restaurant. He hopes to one day make eating out healthy and affordable for the people in his community. 

We are so proud of Agustin and can’t wait to see what the future holds! 

A Transformative Camping Experience in Joshua Tree 

May 1, 2025

Students from our ASLA and Animo Inglewood programs recently embarked on an unforgettable camping adventure to Joshua Tree National Park—a first-time experience for many. Surrounded by the park’s breathtaking desert landscape, students embraced the journey with open hearts and minds, gaining both practical skills and personal insight along the way.

The trip was made possible through a meaningful partnership with Marland Burke and the Forged Foundation, whose generosity and dedication helped bring this opportunity to life. A special shoutout to Marland for going the extra mile—he surprised every student with a cowboy hat, adding a fun and memorable touch to their desert adventure!

The group camped and participated in a powerful interactive horse experience at Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary, where students learned how to care for horses, goats, and sheep. Many of them had never interacted with animals in this way before, and the sanctuary provided a peaceful space for connection and reflection. Through hands-on activities and guided sessions, students discovered the calming and therapeutic effects of working with horses—gaining insight into how these gentle animals can reduce stress and support emotional well-being.

In addition to their time at the sanctuary, the students explored the natural wonders of Joshua Tree National Park. They hiked scenic trails, learned about the park’s unique ecology and geology, and practiced essential outdoor skills like setting up tents and cooking over a fire pit.

This immersive experience was more than just a camping trip—it was a journey of discovery, growth, and connection to the natural world. We are deeply grateful to our partners and proud of the students who stepped out of their comfort zones to embrace this transformative opportunity.

WISE Scholarship: Meet Dalila

April 3, 2025

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 unwavering commitment to her academic and professional aspirations, particularly in the field of marine biology.

Her passion for marine life is evident through her volunteer work at the Aquarium of the Pacific, where she has contributed her time and knowledge to both the aquarium’s initiatives and visitors’ learning experiences. This hands-on experience has fueled her desire to make a meaningful impact on marine conservation and research and continues to motivate her to pursue a career in this field. 

In addition to her dedication to marine biology, Dalila has gone above and beyond to advance her academic skills. This past summer, she took advanced math classes to strengthen her math pathways, ensuring she is well-prepared for the rigorous coursework ahead.

Beyond academics and volunteering, Dalila is deeply committed to her faith and actively contributes her time to volunteering with her church and pursuing her confirmation. Her strong sense of service and community shines through in everything she does, and her values of compassion, hard work, and perseverance serve as an inspiration to those around her.

When asked about the significance of the WISE Scholarship, Dalila shared that this scholarship is a wonderful opportunity to continue pursuing her passion for marine biology and to further her education. She is beyond grateful for the support and excited to see where this journey will take her.

We are incredibly proud of Dalila and all of her achievements th us far. Her dedication to her faith, career pursuits, and academics is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see all the great things she will accomplish in the future. 

Program Highlights

April 3, 2025

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 Orleans! This incredible contribution will provide our students with a valuable opportunity to stay active, learn new skills, and engage in healthy competition. We’re excited to see how this new court will benefit the JKL students and enhance their love for playing pickleball!

Joel Bergner + JKL

Artist Joel Bergner, known for his community-driven art projects, along with his global arts organization, Artolution, worked with our JKL students in Austin to create a mural for the SXSW festival. This mural project was a collaborative effort, engaging local JKL youth in the creative process. Through their involvement, students contributed their own artistic expressions to the mural, making it a unique blend of individual creativity and collective vision. 

WISE Scholarship Update

March 3, 2025

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 have participated in numerous events that have helped them prepare for their future, such as a Critical Thinking panel discussion at Cal Tech University. We are excited to highlight each one of our scholars through our upcoming newsletters. 

JKL Students Go the Distance

March 3, 2025

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 improve upon their 2024 race times, returning JKL students trained hard, pushing their limits both physically and mentally.

This year, the tradition grew even stronger as each returning student invited a new JKL participant to join them in the challenge. Together, they not only crossed the finish line but also built endurance, resilience, and camaraderie along the way. Beyond logging miles, the students focused on strengthening their stamina, boosting their mental well-being, and embracing the JKL philosophy of living active, healthy lives. Their commitment to self-improvement and supporting one another made this marathon an unforgettable experience, proving that with determination and teamwork, anything is possible!

Ralph Ellison JKL Students Learn CPR & First Aid

March 3, 2025

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 life-saving skills that can make a difference in emergencies. This hands-on training equipped the students with the knowledge and confidence to administer basic first aid and perform CPR in a variety of situations. Through interactive scenarios and practice, students gained the skills to respond effectively to injuries, choking, cardiac arrest, and other medical emergencies. Completing this program not only enhances our students’ readiness in emergency situations but also fosters a sense of responsibility and leadership, preparing them to be proactive and caring members of their communities.

JKL x KABOOM

February 3, 2025

Students in Uvalde have partnered with “KABOOM: Wild About Playing” to create the 9th play space for the local community. The students have helped build nine play spaces across Uvalde, striving to ensure every neighborhood has access to safe and fun recreational areas. This ongoing collaboration with KABOOM motivates students to design spaces that reflect the unique needs, cultures, and strengths of the community, ensuring every child has a place to play and grow.

JKL x DARE TO LIVE RIGHT

February 3, 2025

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. DTLR generously donated 30 pairs of sneakers and gift cards. They also hosted a workshop focused on community service opportunities, college education pathways, and developing healthy eating habits. This initiative provided essential resources and empowered students to engage with and support their local community.

November Program Highlights

November 12, 2024

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 livin Foundation and  Morning Rounds Coffee. The panel featured a diverse group of healthcare experts, giving JKL students insight into the various career opportunities within the medical field. From doctors and nurses to medical assistants, this event was designed to showcase the many paths students can pursue in the healthcare sector. This was a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on how local organizations a

A Special Screening of Superhuman Body

All 5 of our Dallas JKL programs enjoyed a visit to the Perot Museum in Dallas for a screening of the film Superhuman Body! This captivating film explores the extraordinary inner workings of the human body and sparks curiosity about science and bioengineering. Our students and staff enjoyed this amazing opportunity to inspire the next generation of thinkers and scientists! We are grateful to the MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation for making this all possible and for their support of just keep living.

WISE Scholarship Update

October 1, 2024

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 career options and college paths. During this month, students attended the National College Fair in Los Angeles, where they attended workshops and visited universities from around the world. Dalila was accepted to volunteer for the Aquarium of the Pacific this semester. Fabian will shadow a former JKL alumni in his fitness classes, and Agustin will shadow chefs and take cooking courses with top chefs in Los Angeles.  All three also met and spent time with Stacey, founder and creator of the Steele Family Foundation and the WISE Scholarship program. In addition, all are also helping to support the recruitment of this year’s WISE candidates. 

JKL Partners with the Kevin Love Fund

October 1, 2024

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 to watch The Spider Within: A Spiderverse Story. Students and guests were fortunate to hear from both Kevin and Jarrelle sharing about challenging experiences in their own lives as well as overcoming anxiety. Teaching Artist, Cat Marcel, from the Kevin Love Fund team led our students through a lesson from their free evidence-based mental health curriculum. This event allowed a platform for students to write and draw about an experience from their own life that was difficult and to describe how they navigated their challenge. We are proud and beyond grateful for our continued partnership with the Kevin Love Fund.

Summer Program Highlights

August 2, 2024

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 JKL family. The journey included sightseeing at the island’s historic landmarks, allowing the students to delve into the captivating history of Catalina. For over half of the participants, including two parent chaperones, this adventure marked their first boat ride and kayaking experience. The day was filled with excitement as they cast their lines for fishing, paddled through the crystal-clear waters, and swam in the serene coves. The excursion ended on a sweet note with ice cream while they wandered through picturesque downtown Avalon, soaking in the charm and vibrant atmosphere of the island.

Baby2Baby: 

Animo Inglewood students embraced the chance to give back to their community this summer by volunteering with Baby2Baby. They worked diligently to assemble baby essential care kits, which were distributed to homeless shelters, domestic violence programs, foster care facilities, hospitals, and underserved schools. This hands-on experience allowed the students to develop their teamwork and planning skills, as they meticulously organized and packaged the kits to meet the specific needs of each recipient. Their collective effort and commitment ensured that the orders were fulfilled efficiently and on time, making a significant impact on those in need.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to give back to a worthy cause. It fills my heart with joy when we are asked to support people in need.” -Samantha

Teacher Training 2024

July 3, 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 teachers attended the training from across the country representing 11 different states. During the training, teachers participated in “Activation Activities” focusing on our 4 pillars in Nutrition, Wellness, Community Service, and Fitness. They were celebrated, recognized, and received program awards for making an impact in the lives of their students and for their outstanding programming. New teachers were introduced and collaboration was reinforced by the community-based infrastructure created by the teachers. 

On day 2, the teachers were surprised with a special visit from our JKL Founder and Co-Founder Matthew and Camila McConaughey. During the surprise visit, both Matthew and Camila thanked the teachers for their hard work and dedication to their students and the foundation. The teachers expressed their gratitude by sharing the impact the programs have made on the lives of their students and themselves. Latonya expressed, “Thank you for giving our youth a safe place to be themselves and make life-changing decisions.” Latasha added, “Thank you for allowing our SPED students to thrive in a community where they feel noticed.” Andrea shared, “Thank you so much for creating opportunities for students to have first-time experiences such as zip lining, canoeing, horseback riding, rope courses, senior service day, and flying to Washington D.C. The students have a bond and a safe place with JKL.” 

The 2024 Teacher Training was a HUGE success, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate our JKL teachers for all their hard work and commitment in the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. In the meantime, “Just Keep Livin.”

Program Highlights – Annual Beach Day and Field Days

June 6, 2024

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 and memorable for our #justkeeplivin students 🙌 Shout out to the surf instructors for being the biggest cheerleaders! Shout out to the yoga instructors for keeping our students grounded! Shout out to @juglifewater for keeping our kids hydrated during the event! We can’t wait for next year!!

Annual Field Days:

Our annual Field Days are vibrant and uplifting events aimed at promoting health and wellness among the jkl kids. Our field days offer a range of outdoor activities and sports, fostering teamwork, physical activity, and positive social interaction. With the support of volunteers and sponsors, our kids engage in fun-filled fitness activations, exercises, and educational workshops, empowering them to lead active and fulfilling lives while emphasizing our core values of resilience and perseverance.

Shout out to our LA, Chicago, Austin, Longview and Washington D.C. programs for making it happen!

#justkeeplivin #wellness #fitness #teambuilding #funinthesun #gratitude

Corepower Yoga Teacher Training x jkl

June 6, 2024

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 participants with access to transformative yoga practices, CPY continues to be an incredibly partner. As the collaboration evolved, it culminated in a significant milestone—a scholarship offering for three alumni and three teachers from the just keep livin program to receive full scholarships to the CorePower Yoga teacher training course. This initiative represents a commitment to empowering individuals within the JKL community, offering them the opportunity to deepen their practice and share the benefits of yoga with others. The six JKL recipients are set to embark on their training journey this summer, marking a new chapter in their personal and professional growth empowered by yoga. We are so proud of the following scholarship recipients:

Wise Scholarship Recipients

May 6, 2024

Just Keep Livin and the Steele Family Foundation have partnered to create a JKL/WISE Scholarship for
three freshman students at Animo Inglewood Charter High School. This scholarship will provide students
with a full ride to any university of their choice given they meet the criteria in the “Earn to Learn” model
in three categories: Academics, Extra-Curricular School Activities, and Social & Non-Formal Experiences
(JKL). Our three winners were selected based on their essay application and teacher letter of
recommendations. Winners from left to right: Fabian De La Cruz, Dalila Hernandez, Agustin Estrada.

Program Highlights – Student lobbying day on Capitol Hill

May 6, 2024

Students from our jkl programs in Texas, California, Tennessee, DC, and Louisiana attended our second
annual student lobbying day on Capitol Hill.  This passionate group of students converged, armed not
with textbooks, but with a powerful message: the vital importance of after-school programming,
increasing mental health funding and the impact of jkl has had on each of them. With voices echoing
through the marble halls, they advocated for resources to enrich their journey beyond the classroom.
These young advocates embodied the spirit of civic engagement, urging policymakers to invest in
opportunities that shape their futures and foster community resilience. With determination in their eyes
and dreams in their hearts, they stood as beacons of hope, rallying for a brighter tomorrow for
themselves and generations to come.

Uvalde

March 8, 2024

On March 2nd, our JKL Uvalde program had the chance to explore the University of Texas. The group
took a comprehensive tour of the campus, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, and even got a closer look
at the iconic Longhorn Stadium. They were also able to explore the Texas History Museum, adding an
enriching cultural touch to their experience. For the students, this opportunity provided a firsthand
glimpse into the University of Texas, a place that holds a coveted spot on many of their dream school
lists. The visit left a lasting impression on JKL Uvalde, sparking aspirations and inspiration.

Matthew and Camila launch Greenlights Grant Initiative

July 27, 2023

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 culminated into the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which included billions in funding for school safety grants to help school districts hire mental health counselors, improve security, and more.

However, it’s been difficult for under-resourced school districts to apply for these grants as the federal grant complex is quite complex and time consuming. They are working to solve this problem.

On Thursday July 20, Matthew launched the Greenlights Grant Initiative aimed at helping school districts across the country, especially high-need, low-capacity school districts, apply for and secure federal school safety grants so their students can study in safe and healthy environments. For more information and how to apply visit www.greenlightsgrantinitiative.org

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

May 3, 2023

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, ACM Award-winning recording artist Jack Ingram, and ESPN analyst and Texas coaching legend Mack Brown.

What better way to kick off an epic few days than with a special performance by the legendary Garth Brooks! The LIVE auction was record-setting, raising over $7M! Then onto a fun day of golf, and a stunning fashion show from the fabulous Jonathan Simkhai presented by Neiman Marcus and hosted by supermodel Molly Sims. Simkhai’s designs were breathtaking, as was the setting, with lovely views of downtown Austin from the Long Center for the Performing Arts. We wrapped things up with an array of talented performances at our Jack & Friends Singer/Songwriter night! Artists like Butch Walker, Lee Ann Womack, Jessi Alexander & Jon Randall, William Beckmann, Blu Sanders, Rhett Akins, Hayes Carll and incredible newcomer Kameron Marlowe donated their time and talent to end this year’s event on a high note – so to speak!

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the event. It’s an honor to be a charitable beneficiary of the event, along with the incredible organizations Cure Duchenne, Dell Children’s, HeartGift Foundation, and The Rise School. Until next year, MJ&M!

JKL Alumni Reconnect and Enjoy the Outdoors

January 13, 2023

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 and the weekend was full of reconnecting, forging new friendships, hiking, gratitude and lots of laughter. We love that the bonds of JKL continue even after our students have graduated from the program!