This unique, nationally recognized program uses seats at Jaguars home games as incentives to encourage children and youth to set and achieve ambitious but realistic goals. Goal setting involves academic achievement, behavioral improvement, and performing public service. Interested nonprofit agencies from within five Northeast Florida counties (i.e., Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns only) are eligible to apply. The flexibility of the program allows agencies to determine how best to use seats as motivational goals. Youth must be between the ages of 9 and 17 to earn their seat to a game, and do not have to be A-B honor roll students to participate. All applications are reviewed by a diverse volunteer committee.

A 1997 independent study, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, reported that participating youth and agencies experienced significant benefits as a result of their involvement. Specifically, the goal-setting process of Honor Rows (versus allocating game tickets as a "free giveaway") improved a youth's self-image, self-discipline and self-determination.

Youth in the study indicated that the experience taught them important lessons, including:

• Reinforcing their ability to believe in themselves by desiring to do better in school, to work hard, and to improve their personal behavior.
• Demonstrating the importance of personal accomplishment, which was then rewarded by a ticket to a game, and understanding that hard work will be rewarded later in life.
• Fostering altruism and helping them make a direct link between their public service and the "greater good."

Agencies reported that their participation in the Honors Rows program improved the capacity of their staff to operate effective programs, enhanced their ability to track client progress, increased the level of adult oversight/interaction with the youth in their care, and helped leverage various financial and in-kind resources (i.e., grants, individual gifts, recognition through awards/prizes, media coverage, etc.).

The Honor Rows program is sponsored by Reebok, with additional support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The United Way of Northeast Florida mobilizes game-day volunteers to ensure the overall safety and enjoyment of Honor Rows participants. The Jaguars Foundation received the 1996 and 2003 Governor's Community Investment Award for this program and, through the Sports Philanthropy Project, serves as a demonstration site for other professional sports leagues and franchises.

Honor Rows Application (MS Word)  |  Honor Rows Guidelines (MS Word)
Final Reporting Form (MS Word)