We welcome responsible, community-minded individuals who believe in the potential of young people. Opportunities may be available for adults, college students, corporate teams, skilled professionals, and youth volunteers ages 14–17 with parent or guardian consent.

C.H.A.M.P.S. was founded by comedian, actor, author, veteran, father, and youth advocate D’Lai Laird. His vision is rooted in his experience growing up in Alexandria, Louisiana, and his desire to become the trusted adult and source of opportunity he needed as a young person.

C.H.A.M.P.S. is being developed in Alexandria, Louisiana, with a long-term vision to create a model that can serve additional communities.Program locations, office hours, and event venues will be posted on the website as they are confirmed.

C.H.A.M.P.S. is designed primarily for young people ages 14–24. Eligibility may vary by program, funding source, location, capacity, and participant needs.Submitting an interest form does not guarantee enrollment.

Not necessarily. C.H.A.M.P.S. intends to support young people with different educational experiences, including students, high-school graduates, GED or HiSET participants, college students, trade-school students, workforce trainees, and young people who are not currently enrolled or who did not complete high school.Program-specific eligibility requirements may apply.

The C.H.A.M.P.S. program ecosystem includes:CHAMPS Compass: Mentorship, identity, confidence, and goal-settingCHAMPS Creative Lab: Media, arts, storytelling, and creative productionCHAMPS Launchpad: Academic support, workforce preparation, and entrepreneurshipCHAMPS Arena: Athletics, wellness, teamwork, and leadershipCHAMPS Beyond: Career exposure, workplace experiences, and expanded horizonsCHAMPS Village: Family resources, caregiver engagement, and wraparound supportProgram schedules and availability may change according to funding, staffing, facilities, and community need.

Begin by completing the youth interest form on the Sign Up page. A parent, guardian, referring adult, or eligible young adult may submit the form.A C.H.A.M.P.S. team member will review the information and contact the family regarding availability, eligibility, intake, and next steps.

Eligible young adults may submit their own interest forms. Minors may require the involvement and consent of a parent or legal guardian before enrollment.

Program fees, if any, will be clearly communicated before enrollment. C.H.A.M.P.S. will seek philanthropic, public, and corporate support to reduce financial barriers whenever possible.No family should assume that cost automatically prevents participation. Contact the team to discuss available assistance.

Meals or snacks may be available during certain programs and events. Availability will depend on the schedule, location, funding, and program design.Families can identify food-related participation needs on the interest or intake form.

Transportation may be available for selected programs or events when funding and appropriate safeguards are in place. Families should identify transportation needs when completing the interest form.Transportation assistance is not guaranteed.