Our story
We are the d’allaird family.
In most respects a typical and average family from Charlotte, NC. Kevin and I met in college and have spent the past 25+ years working, playing and raising our 3 boys. It has been a lot of fun! On December 2nd, 2017 our world was changed forever. That morning, our oldest son Tyler took his own life while alone in his dorm room. He was 15 weeks into his freshman year of college. Our mission is to make sure fewer people have to sit in the seat we are sitting in. We know students are struggling. We are here to help.
history of
SPRING 2020
THE BEGINNING
A group of students met weekly in Whitney’s garage. Over time, the conversations became more real and the students valued this group time outside of their regular friendship groups. They began to dream about what it would look like for every student in their school to have a safe space like this
SPRING 2021
STUDENTS FOR STUDENTS FOUNDED
Students FOR Students launched its first school, an independent school with approximately 450 high-school students. 50 students participated with 15 leaders and met for 6 weeks. They discussed topics like gratitude, resilience, and self-care. After evaluation of the program’s effectiveness, we moved toward a full launch in the fall of 2021.
LAUNCH FOR STUDENTS FOUNDED
In the Spring of 2021 we had our first Launch two-day event for seniors. Students attended 4 sessions that included mindfulness, journaling, yoga, creating time-management guardrails, healthy relationships, and substance abuse prevention. After each session the students sat in small groups with recent alums to process what they learned.
FALL 2021
STUDENTS FOR STUDENTS GROWTH
In the fall of 2021, 150 students and 50 leaders participated in small groups every other week. 90% of the previous years’ students returned to the program, deeming it a huge success.
LAUNCH FOR STUDENTS GROWTH
After glowing feedback from both students and parents, we kicked off a full-year program including 5 during-school sessions along with a two day event at the end of the year. The two day event included 4 main sessions as well as a choice of 10 breakout sessions for students to choose what they would like to hear more about as they prepare for life after high school.
FALL 2022
STUDENTS FOR STUDENTS TODAY
12 groups kicked off in October 2022! That is another 50 leaders with 130 in groups. This fall the leadership team is working with. anew team of students that hope to pilot a soft launch at their school this Spring.
LAUNCH FOR STUDENTS TODAY
Based on the success of the 21/22 school year, Launch for Students will return with 9 sessions at Charlotte Latin. We have also added sessions with staff and senior class parents. For the first time, we will partner with Union Academy to bring Launch for Students to their senior class.
AND...
We are excited to announce NEXT, or two-day event with high-school seniors will now become a citywide event for our partner schools to celebrate together as seniors celebrate that NEXT is NOW!
FALL 2023
FOR STUDENTS NAME CHANGE
Eyes Up For Life name changes to FOR Students to more accurately reflect our mission.