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The 4th & Life curriculum emphasizes the importance of positive attitude and focuses on
preparing for life after football. The curriculum is designed to teach football
players what it takes to be successful both on the field and in the classroom by
emphasizing the importance of both academic and athletic performance. Students are
encouraged to use sports as a stepping stone to college, and introduced to career
opportunities in sports beyond just playing them.
The 4th & Life program culiminates with a player-led interactive forum at FedEx Field
in November. Redskins players will share personal stories and anecdotes from
a wide range of experiences, touching upon many key life lessons that the students
can apply to their own lives. The forum will also offer the unique opportunity
for the high school athletes to participate in a question and answer session with
Redskins players.
Beginning with the 2001 season, the Washington Redskins Leadership Council teamed up
with Junior Achievement to create curriculum support for the program. Workplace readiness
curriculum supplements prepared with the help of Junior Achievement are sent to coaches at
area high schools for distribution to all freshman through senior players. The supplements
focus on the parallels between football, school, and workplace success. They include
preparation, playing the game, and evaluating success.
In November of 2004, 800 high school senior football players from 25 area high schools
attended the annual 4th & Life high school football forum at FedEx Field. The event
was hosted by the Washington Redskins Leadership Council. The 4th & Life program is
designed to bring high school athletes from diverse backgrounds together with Redskins
players and coaches to prepare the teenagers for life off the field.
The 4th & Life program is open to all high school football teams from the metro area.
Schools interested in participating should contact the
Washington Redskins Leadership Council.
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