Our story
In 1974, Steven and Victoria, who were in their mid 20’s, experienced major life transformations and left salaried positions: Steven from the Aircraft Industry and Victoria from Education. A journey began to find deeper meaning, purpose and significance by using their gifts and talents in community service to positively transform society, one person at a time.
They married in 1977 and united their efforts to bring positive transformation to others. Their journey took them to many avenues of service: from directing a substance abuse rehabilitation center, to directing a food distribution center servicing hundreds of refugees to motivational speakers at conferences globally. They also benefited from many talented mentors along the way in various countries and cultures.
Champions began in 1991 by the Longs and incorporated in 1994 in Taiwan as Champions Education Association R.O.C., following a trip to Taiwan during which they recognized many social issues related to drug abuse and addiction in adolescents due to very high educational pressures. Further research into this situation revealed a significant gap in the social system of Taiwan and the need and opportunity to teach values based life skills to adolescents. Champions delivered a much-needed service addressing this gap.
In just over 30 years Champions has grown from 5 volunteers and one school with 200 students to about 50 paid staff, 6,000 volunteers, and 180,000 per year currently enrolled from elementary, middle, high school and university students across every region of Taiwan. Over 3 million students have been through the various Champions programs there.
The Champions curriculum has been exceptionally well received by students, administrators, and government officials. Over the years the curriculum and application have evolved to provide values-based life-education lessons addressing issues related to drug abuse, problem solving, anti-bullying, forgiveness, fear resolution, suicide prevention and emotions management. University level leadership and service-learning courses are also currently being taught.
The potential for significant expansion inside and outside of Taiwan exists as the Taiwan government supports Champions being in approximately 80% of the schools and also supports service learning for university level students to complement a government driven initiative mandating service learning programs at that level.
Internet and video technology advancements now allow Global Champions to expand nationally and globally. Global Champions Extensions are a key component of this exciting new season of growth. Technology plus personal coaching are a win-win combination.