BECOMING YOUR BEST SELF. ONE EPISODE AT A TIME.
These videos are a free educational video resource for schools that provide students with real perspectives from real people that will help them achieve greater success in the outside world.
Designed for the classroom, Jostens Renaissance members have access to a downloadable critical thinking discussion guide that fosters student-led discussions for each student character and wellness video.
The Jostens Renaissance Character and Wellness videos include the following series:
Set to release each month of the 25-26 school year, the Better Than Good video series is hosted by Keith Hawkins – an inspirational speaker who grew up in a struggling family from a tough part of Los Angeles. With various student perspectives, these videos focuses on the greatness bottled up inside us and the opportunities that life offers.
All In video series host Gian Paul Gonzalez shares lessons he’s learned from his personal journey working with his students as a ninth-grade world history teacher, professional athletes and inmates serving sentences in correctional facilities. These episodes feature the authentic perspectives of students, captured by students.
Hosted by Mike Smith, an entrepreneur and inspirational speaker, The Harbor™ by Jostens® facilitates the teaching of character development in classrooms by showcasing tangible life lessons through rich and engaging video content. Episodes feature adult and student guests who share their perspectives with Mike.
Courageous Conversations are designed for student, educator and parent audiences, featuring people who have shown real strength – sharing personal stories related to grit, handling failure, wellbeing, mental health and overcoming obstacles. Use these in your classroom, staff meeting or at the dinner table.
Exclusive Videos
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EVENTS VS. INTENT
Mike suggests that event organizers keep their focus on the intent behind their event — and to measure their success not upon attendance, but upon whether or not their attendees were impacted in the way that they intended.
SARAH EDWARDS
On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Sarah Edwards, Founder of the organization I AM, shares how one small act of kindness can change a…
CIVIC DUTY
The future of our country is dependent on how well we — and especially young people — exercise our civic duties. On this episode of The…
JORDIN SPARKS
Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jordin Sparks shares the emotional story of how her campaign, “I’m M.A.D. (Making A Difference), are you?” was started.
SERVICE
Mike talks about the importance of service, and distinguishes between volunteering and being “voluntold.”
BE NICE TO OTHERS WITH BRENT CAMALICH
Brent Camalich, CEO of DUDE. be nice, talks about the importance and power of kindness.
MENTORSHIP
Mike talks about the importance of mentorship and how to be a good mentee.
CHANGE YOUR WORLD
Mike tells the story of how he befriended a boy named Calvin, an “invisible” student who ultimately shaped Mike into the person he is today.
GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES WITH RILEY WESTERHOLT
Recent high school grad and slap poet Riley Westerholt paints a hopeful picture of the current high school generation.
STORIES NOT STUFF
A lesson on defining yourself through life experiences rather than the things you own.
CHANGE THE WORLD WITH BRENT ARAGON
Youth mentor Brent Aragon believes that in order to change the world, you must first change your world, namely how you view yourself and those around you.
MAKE A CHANGE WITH ROB DYER
After losing several relatives to cancer in a six-month period, Rob Dyer took it upon himself to make a change. He started Skate4Cancer, which has raised millions of dollars for cancer hospitals and charities.
SKATE FOR CHANGE
Mike talks about how he founded his non-profit Skate For Change, its growth into a worldwide movement, and how youth can give their passions a greater purpose.