“Young adults are our future,” says Kristen Hawkins, Director of Community Engagement for the Cincinnati Bengals. “When we positively impact their lives, then we are helping to set our youth up for success. These fundamentals, that are learned through our Bengals Care initiatives, help contribute to building great leaders in our community.”
Youth-centered events, activations, camps, funding and coaching awards take place year-round, designed to equip young people with life skills and building blocks for success.
“We also recognize that physical health and mental wellness are the cornerstones for success,” Hawkins adds. “With key programs such as Play 60 and Character Playbook, along with numerous community partnerships, we hope to encourage young people to make positive choices that lead to healthy lifestyles.”
The Cincinnati Bengals’ community-based partners include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati, Freestore Foodbank, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
For the Bengals, it is all part of their mission to not only impact communities with touchstones to success but also create cherished memories along the way.
“The team is committed to positively impacting the youth of our community through the game of football — as seen through the Bengals’ Flag In-Schools and Field Grant programs — as well as health and wellness initiatives like Play 60 Skills & Drills events,” Hawkins says. “We aim to continue to impact our communities through meaningful outreach and partnerships to help cultivate lifelong memories on and off the football field.”
Want to help the Bengals prepare the city’s youth for future success?
To learn more about the Bengals’ community involvement, visit www.bengals.com/community.