I Challenge Myself

Empowering Youth Through Endurance Sports

I Challenge Myself was founded by Ana Reyes, who was inspired by her personal journey of training for and completing a 286-mile bike tour as a novice cyclist. Recognizing the importance of empowering youth during adolescence, Ana conducted focus groups and research that informed the design of I Challenge Myself. Launched on February 19, 2005, at the South Bronx High School Campus, the program began with 12 students in grades 9 to 12, organizing a century ride to Long Beach and a youth-led service learning project focused on HIV/AIDS prevention.

Expanding Opportunities for Students

In February 2007, I Challenge Myself expanded to the George Washington Educational Campus in Washington Heights, becoming an elective physical education class that provided both physical education credit and the program’s benefits. A federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education later enabled I Challenge Myself to reach three additional schools from September 2009 to June 2012. In 2011, a summer college bike tour was developed to broaden students’ college choices, implemented by the organization’s Athletic Director at that time.

Building Resilience and Lifelong Skills

The program focuses on perseverance, resilience, and redefining success and failure. A report from the United States Department of Education in February 2013 validated I Challenge Myself’s asset-based methodology, emphasizing the importance of teaching critical 21st-century skills. The Aspen Institute supports I Challenge Myself’s integration of skill-building into PE programs, promoting physical literacy and a lifelong commitment to physical activity.

Innovative Curriculum and Lasting Impact

In 2015, the 4toFIT program was developed to address the lack of structure and skill-building in PE classes, drawing from I Challenge Myself’s success in the cycling program. The curriculum is continually improved with input from PE teachers, providing challenges that push students physically and mentally, fostering a supportive learning environment. External evaluators conducted a survey of I Challenge Myself alumni, revealing encouraging long-term fitness and social-emotional outcomes.

Why Your Support Matters

Your support helps provide essential programs that empower underserved youth, fostering their physical, social, and emotional development through cycling and fitness activities.

Join the Movement

Donate today to help I Challenge Myself continue to transform the lives of youth in New York City. Your contribution, whether in cryptocurrency or cash, makes a significant difference in empowering the next generation.