What We Do – 42 Strong

Mentoring That Builds Character and Community.

Explore how our structured peer-to-peer mentoring program helps students develop leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and strong connections through an understanding and development of the Tate Traits.

Support. Lead. Grow.

At the heart of our program is a simple yet powerful idea: K–12 students supporting one another through guided peer-to-peer mentorship. By building meaningful connections across grade levels, students gain the confidence and tools to lead with empathy, resilience, and purpose.

K-12 students supporting each other through guided peer-to-peer mentorship

Structured curriculum based on Tate Traits, including classroom video lessons and engaging activities

Skill development in leadership, emotional intelligence, and community impact

Accessible program for all learners aligned with the core competencies for Social Emotional Learning

Built on the 12 Tate Traits

Our mentoring model follows a structured curriculum built around the 12 Tate Traits—core character strengths that promote personal growth and positive school culture. Each session includes classroom video lessons, thoughtful discussions, and engaging activities designed to spark reflection, strengthen relationships, and reinforce key life skills.

We’re Stronger Together

At the core of 42 Strong is a simple but powerful idea: students supporting one another through guided peer-to-peer mentorship. By fostering meaningful connections across grade levels, the program empowers students with the confidence, empathy, and resilience they need to lead with purpose—both in school and beyond.

Our Approach in Action

The 42 Strong mentoring model is built around the 12 Tate Traits—core character strengths that inspire personal growth and strengthen school culture. Aligned with the core competencies of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), our curriculum doesn’t just complement classroom learning—it activates it in ways that are personal, relatable, and deeply meaningful for every student.
Through a blend of leadership workshops and monthly mentor–mentee activities, students develop the mindset and skills to create meaningful impact as leaders, friends, and community members. More than just activities, mentorship fosters a culture where every student feels seen, supported, and valued—building confidence, deepening friendships, and bringing the Tate Traits to life in lasting, practical ways.

The Difference We Make

42 Strong is more than a program—it’s a movement to build purpose, connection, and resilience in every student. By uniting character education with evidence-based SEL, our Tate Trait–focused curriculum activates learning in ways that are personal, relatable, and deeply meaningful—empowering students to practice leadership, empathy, and resilience while strengthening themselves and their school communities. With flexible design and inclusive delivery, every student has the opportunity to participate fully and grow meaningfully. The result is a culture where young people feel valued, supported, and inspired to create positive change—today and for years to come.

Skills for Life

Through regular participation, students develop essential abilities in leadership, emotional intelligence, communication, and community impact. The program is carefully designed to be accessible for all learners, with flexible delivery options and universal design elements that ensure every student can participate, learn, and grow.

Trust, Love, Build Leadership Training and Mentoring Enhancement Activities promote sense of belongingness

Monthly “Tate Trait” lessons and activities build core values and promote positive school culture

Guided reflection sessions promote growth, feedback, and inspire students to become future changemakers

These multi-layered interactions create trust, connection, and accountability among participants.

Developed for Teachers, By Teachers

Our program is easy-to-implement and requires minimal prep while still maximizing student engagement. Aligned with the core competencies of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), 42 Strong integrates into existing school frameworks. Whether embedded in advisory periods, leadership classes, or as a standalone initiative, schools can adopt our model with ease—bringing lasting benefits to students, educators, and the wider school community.

Our Tate Trait focused curriculum doesn't just complement the core competencies for SEL, it activates learning in a way that is personal, relatable, and deeply meaningful for all students.

Self-Awareness

Accountable
Humble
Confident
Teachable

Self-Management

Hard-Working
Accountable
Teachable
Confident
Fun

Social-Awareness

Hard-Working
Accountable
Teachable
Confident
Fun

Relationship Skills

Trustworthy
Loyal
Respectful
Caring
Fun

Decision-Making

Accountable
Trustworthy
Teachable
Hard-Working

Testimonials

Allie

I like 42 Strong because it gives me an opportunity to make new friends that are older and younger than me and meet new people, I also like the program because I have a mentor who is older than me that I can look up to, tell things and trust. I like to hangout with my mentor and other friends that are in 42 Strong. I also like when we have the monthly get together so I can hangout with the people in my group, my mentor and other friends.

Parker

I've liked 42 Strong so far because it's nice to have a friend to be able to hangout with sometimes and 42 Strong gives you that. Plus our monthly activity's are always so fun and leave me with a smile on my face for a few days.

Kenli

I like the program 1 because it's in remember of Tate 2 because we get to have like a big brother or sister to help us in hard times and 3 because There's lots of activities to do with friends.

Brennan

I have enjoyed engaging with my mentor and meeting new upperclassman and kids younger than me.

Join the movement—let’s build a stronger, kinder, more connected school, one relationship at the time!