Our Programs

FIRST KIDS
FIRST DOWN
FIRST GIFT

Building Champions Step by Step Generation to Generation

“If we make every attempt to increase our knowledge in order to use it for human good, it will make a difference in us and in our world.”

Dr. Ben Carson

Christ-centered reading enhancement program for elementary students

Co-founders Scott and Robin Turner along with the CEOC team developed the FIRST KIDS Learning Program to tackle the steady decline in reading proficiency across our nation — where nearly two-thirds of 4th graders are unable to read at grade level. *Source

Source

67% (or two-thirds) of U.S 4th grade students are not proficient in reading.

*National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

While CEOC conceptualized, structured, and created the foundational curriculum for FIRST KIDS, our role has shifted. Today, we champion this mission by sponsoring organizations that bring the program to life in their communities.

Designed for 1st through 5th graders during the fall and spring school terms, the FIRST KIDS model aims to build character and elevate reading literacy in a caring, fun-filled environment. 

Partner organizations execute the program using various tools including:

  • Technology-Based Learning: Adaptive reading curriculum tailored to each student.
  • Targeted Engagement: Interactive one-on-one and group literacy activities.
  • Faith & Character Building: Bible story time focused on memorization and practical application.

Through our strategic sponsorships, FIRST KIDS continues to strengthen these critical foundational reading skills:

  • Phonics
  • Text Fluency
  • Vocabulary
  • Comprehension

Equipping high school and college student-athletes to use their  love and talent for the game to make a lasting impact on and off the field! 

As a former NFL player, Scott Turner understands firsthand the importance of stewarding well the platform God provides. He credits much of his success to mentors who helped shape the faith-centered mindset that continues to guide how he navigates life, leadership & success.

Through FIRST DOWN, CEOC aims to cultivate the same principle-centered approach in high school and college student-athletes by equipping them with tools that help recognize opportunities, overcome adversity, build meaningful relationships, and positively impact the world!

FIRST DOWN launched in spring 2024 with a small group of high school athletes. Since then, it has doubled in size and expanded to SMU through FIRST DOWN U. Student-athletes participate in engaging, interactive sessions led by former professional and collegiate athletes and business and community leaders.

Topics include:

  • Role vs. Identity: Understanding the difference between my role as a player and my identity as a person
  • Financial Literacy: Learning the fundamentals of budgeting, stewardship, and responsible decision-making
  • Professional Etiquette: Building confidence in professional and social settings
  • Social Media Presence & Safety: Recognizing the dangers of social media and making wise choices
  • Career Success: Developing skills for interviewing, networking, entrepreneurship, and professional growth
  • Transition: Preparing for life after competition and navigating the next season with purpose and confidence

Please watch the brief video below to hear from some of our FIRST DOWN Family!

Teaching Professional Dining Etiquette & Soft Skills
with “Just Ask Joy“!

 

Supporting our SMU Athletes!

 

Practicing Career Success Skills including
Interviewing & Networking!

 

Impacting our Communities through Giving

Our FIRST GIFT community outreach spans across the DFW metroplex and beyond. We provide both short and long term resources to organizations that align with our mission to bring transformation through sports, mentorship and economic opportunity. Here are a few examples of those partnerships:

  • Fatherless No More: Provided a grant to support their mission to help young, incarcerated men heal from the wounds of fatherlessness and find identity, worth, and belonging through Christ
  • Every Child Plays: Contributed funding to help ensure more children can participate in youth sports, regardless of their families’ financial circumstances.
  • HSAA: Provided a grant to purchase football equipment & supplies for the Home School Athletic Association
  • Mercy Street: Donated laptops for their leadership program
  • Bridge Builders: Helped organize & provide funding for their annual “I Got Your Back” back-to-school event
  • SDDA:  Funded South Dallas Driving Academy with a grant to assist their effort to increase driver’s licenses in South Dallas communities
  • PGA Beyond the Green: Sponsored South Dallas students’ participation in a program that introduces diverse demographics to the business of golf