By Kendall J. Hampton, OERD Graduate Research Assistant
At Northern Illinois University, the heartbeat of engagement pulses through initiatives like Project FLEX, embodying the university’s dedication to forging lasting connections within the community.
Project FLEX stands for Fitness Leadership Experience, but its impact transcends the realm of physical fitness. Led by Dr. Jenn Jacobs and Dr. Zachary Wahl-Alexander, Project FLEX is rooted in NIU’s ethos of reciprocal community engagement and provides fun and impactful activities for youths in juvenile detention centers in Illinois. Driven by a mission to use the power of sport to successfully reintegrate incarcerated youth back into society, this program combines sports psychology, mentorship, and life skills to create authentic connections that reach far beyond gymnasium walls.
According to the National Institute of Justice, physical fitness programs can reduce recidivism rates among juvenile offenders by 25%. Shockingly, only 14% of youth detention facilities provide the recommended 150 minutes per week of exercise (Campaign for Youth Justice). Enter Project FLEX, where these statistics aren’t just numbers—they’re catalysts for change.
“It’s about building relationships and seeing them for who and what they are. Human beings,” shared Izaiah Webb, graduate research assistant and staff development leader for Project FLEX. The program’s ethos centers around authentic connection and empowerment. FLEX, functioning as a bridge between the community and the incarcerated youths, focuses on fostering relationships and imparting life skills beyond the gymnasium walls.
“We create authentic connections and try to expand their awareness of what is possible for themselves,” Webb explained, highlighting the pivotal role of mentorship and vulnerability in guiding the teenagers toward new perspectives and self-awareness.
Flexies, as Webb lovingly refers to the team of graduate assistants, understand that imparting life lessons that can help reintegration aren’t taught in a vacuum. “We aim to understand how they understand the lessons we’re trying to teach them so we can hone in on practical applications of these life skills.”
Project FLEX isn’t merely a program; it symbolizes NIU’s commitment to reciprocal engagement. “I’ve gained so much from my experiences with FLEX. Not only professional skills, but I’ve gained perspective, too. I think I’m learning as much as I’m teaching, and that feels good.”
NIU’s Project FLEX is a beacon of hope—a collaborative effort that extends beyond physical fitness, emphasizing mentorship and empowerment. Through the program’s mission and positive impacts, it’s evident that FLEX stands as a testament to NIU’s pledge to engage, empower, and transform communities, one authentic connection at a time.
If you are an undergraduate student or graduate student interested in getting involved with Project FLEX, reach out to Dr. Jenn Jacobs (jmjacobs@niu.edu) or Dr. Zachary Wahl-Alexander (zwahlalexander@niu.edu) to learn about joining the team.
