Embrace Your F.E.A.R.S. is a youth development program that empowers young people to build confidence, emotional self-regulation, resilience, and leadership through meaningful, hands-on experiences. Our mission is to help students develop the skills they need to thrive in school, at home, and throughout life.
Our Why:
Today's young people are growing up in a world where meaningful connection can be difficult to find. Many face increasing social pressures, rising youth violence, and constant influences that shape who they become and the choices they make. In a culture where it's often easier to follow than to lead, many young people simply need an environment that challenges them to believe in themselves.
Embrace Your F.E.A.R.S. was created to provide that environment. Through engaging, hands-on experiences rooted in movement, mentorship, and personal growth, we help young people develop confidence, emotional self-regulation, resilience, and leadership. Our goal isn't simply to teach new skills. It's to help students become confident leaders who positively impact their schools, families, and communities.
Meet The Founder:
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Joshua Applewhite first stepped into a boxing gym not out of ambition, but out of fear. After finding himself caught in repeated physical conflict during high school, he began training as a way to protect himself. What started as self-preservation quickly became a lifelong passion that taught him discipline, confidence, and emotional control.
As Joshua worked with students across New York City, he noticed a common pattern. Many young people weren't lacking potential. They were lacking confidence, positive mentorship, emotional self-regulation, and opportunities to grow in a supportive environment. He saw students who struggled with conflict, communication, and self-esteem begin to transform when they were challenged, encouraged, and given a safe space to learn. Those experiences became the foundation for Embrace Your F.E.A.R.S.
Years later, Joshua was given the opportunity to teach boxing through a nonprofit organization. Although hesitant at first due to his own difficult experiences in school, he accepted the challenge. It was there that he discovered his true passion wasn't simply teaching boxing. It was helping young people believe in themselves.
Today, Embrace Your F.E.A.R.S. uses boxing as the foundation for teaching life skills, but its mission extends far beyond the sport itself. The program exists to help young people develop confidence, emotional self-regulation, resilience, and leadership through meaningful experiences that prepare them not only to overcome challenges, but to positively impact their schools, families, and communities.
Testimony
The Meaning Of F.E.A.R.S.
Fight [to protect yourself and your loved ones]
Fight isn't about violence. It's about developing the courage to confront obstacles, overcome adversity, and continue moving forward when life becomes difficult. Whether standing up for yourself, working through fear, or refusing to quit, every young person has the ability to fight for the person they want to become.
Expand [Upon What You Know]
Real growth happens when we challenge ourselves to try new things, embrace new perspectives, and remain open to learning. By expanding our skills, experiences, and mindset, we discover strengths we never knew we had.
Anticipate [Adversity And Hardship]
Every decision has consequences. Learning to anticipate situations, regulate emotions, and make thoughtful choices helps young people become better problem-solvers, communicators, and leaders both inside and outside the classroom.
Resilience [Through Tough Times]
Failure, setbacks, and disappointment are part of every journey. Resilience is the ability to learn from those moments, adapt, and continue moving forward with confidence. Strength isn't avoiding adversity. It's learning how to respond to it.
Smile [Through The Pain]
A smile represents optimism, kindness, and the understanding that our attitude influences those around us. Even during difficult moments, choosing compassion, encouragement, and positivity helps create stronger relationships and healthier communities.