Ambassadors of Compassion

What Ambassadors of Compassion does

Ambassadors of Compassion (AOC), formally Ambassadors of Compassion International Inc., is a private nonprofit founded in 2006 and headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, that delivers evidence-based emotional resilience, character development, and leadership programming to K-12 students. The organization operates two principal curriculum frameworks — R.I.S.E. (Responsibility, Initiative, Service, Expectations) and L.I.F.E. (Labor, Influence, Forgiveness, Experiences) — packaged within the Ambassadors Journey, which consists of a kickoff event, nine weeks of guided journaling and small group discussions, a community service project, and an honor event. Independent third-party research, including a University of Alabama study, has validated quantified outcomes such as 87% fewer disciplinary infractions and 96% increase in students' understanding of forgiveness.

The organization's products also include the Peak Performance Program, a six-week athletic-focused curriculum delivered through a partnership with Elite Academic Academy, a WASC-accredited public charter school serving eight California counties with NCAA-compliant A-G coursework for student-athletes. A school-based Ambassadors Funding Program uses one-minute online surveys to generate more than $1,000,000 in payments to participating teams and schools since the 2020-2021 school year.

AOC's business model is donation-driven and multi-channel. Revenue streams include Legacy Legend donations with tiered school-adoption packages of $6,000, $15,000, and $24,000; corporate sponsorships (Coca-Cola, Costco, Toyota, Wells Fargo, Cinemark, Tyson Foods); community and civic partnerships (Rotary, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA); event ticket sales (e.g., Bay Area Dinner and Sunset Cruise at $145/person); and the Elite Academic Academy charter school arrangement. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, leveraging a network of Legacy Leaders (influencers using relationships) and Legacy Legends (donors), celebrity ambassadors, and pro/college sports partnerships. The organization reports reaching over 70,000 students across 1,500+ schools in 40+ US states, with a stated goal of 1 million students through the Million Student Initiative and a first international expansion into Canada.

Name

Ambassadors of Compassion

Legal name

Ambassadors of Compassion International Inc

Website

https://aoclife.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ambassadors of Compassion is a nonprofit that delivers evidence-based emotional resilience and character development curriculum (R.I.S.E. and L.I.F.E. programs) to K-12 students across 1,500+ US schools, and also operates the Peak Performance athletic program through its Elite Academic Academy charter school partner.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development and Character Education Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (6117), Civic and Social Organizations (8134), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

NGO/Nonprofit Education Programs & Service Delivery (EDADALAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Volunteerism, Service-Learning & Community Service (EDALAHAG), Education & Teaching Volunteer Programs (EDAIAGAD)

Keywords

• Youth resilience programs
• Emotional resilience curriculum
• Character development education
• School-based mentoring
• Leadership training

Headquarters

HQ city

Rancho Santa Margarita

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Legacy Legend Donations: Financial contributions from Legacy Legends who adopt schools to implement the Ambassadors of Compassion program. Donation tiers include $24,000 to transform 400 students, $15,000 to impact 250 students, and $6,000 to support 100 students.
2. Student Survey Funding Program: Students enlist adults in their lives to fill out one-minute online surveys. Teams and schools receive payment for each completed survey. Over $1,000,000 has been provided to teams and schools since the 2020-2021 school year.
3. Event Ticket Sales: Revenue from events such as the Bay Area Dinner and Sunset Cruise at $145 per person, and other community gatherings.
4. Peak Performance Program: Through Elite Academic Academy partnership - a tuition-free K-12 public charter school serving students in multiple California counties with WASC-accredited programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Ambassadors of Compassion is a nonprofit that delivers evidence-based emotional resiliency and character development programs to K-12 schools. The organization offers the R.I.S.E. and L.I.F.E. curricula delivered through a structured Ambassadors Journey comprising a 2-hour Kickoff Event, 9 weeks of small group sessions with guided journaling, a community service project, and an Honor Event. Programs are funded primarily through Legacy Legend donations and an Ambassadors Funding Program that uses online surveys to raise money for schools.

Product overview

Ambassadors of Compassion offers two core emotional resiliency programs—R.I.S.E. and L.I.F.E.—both designed to help students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. The R.I.F.E. Program focuses on Responsibility, Initiative, Service, and Expectations, while the L.I.F.E. Program addresses Labor, Influence, Forgiveness, and Experiences. The comprehensive Ambassadors Journey includes a 2-hour Kickoff Event, 9 weeks of small group discussions, a Community Service Project, and an Honor Event with diplomas. The organization also operates the Peak Performance Program through Elite Academic Academy for student-athletes, and offers donor programs including Legacy Legends (financial adoption of schools) and Legacy Leaders (influencer-based expansion). The Funding Program enables schools to raise money through online surveys.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• R.I.S.E. Program A core emotional resiliency building program for students focused on Responsibility (ownership of thoughts and actions), Initiative (taking action to achieve goals), Service (giving back to community), and Expectations (managing expectations and emotions). Designed to help students accomplish their goals and dreams by treating underlying causes of poor performance.
• L.I.F.E. Program An emotional resiliency program helping students identify goals and dreams while equipping them with tools to overcome obstacles. The L.I.F.E. acronym stands for Labor (working towards goals and accepting accountability), Influence (recognizing and controlling influences), Forgiveness (moving past hurt and disappointment), and Experiences (learning from past experiences).
• Ambassadors Journey The comprehensive program structure that includes a 2-hour Kickoff Event, 9-week group discussion sessions with guided journaling, an Ambassadors Community Service Project, and an Honor Event where students receive diplomas for college or job applications.
• Peak Performance Program A six-week athletic program delivered through Elite Academic Academy, a tuition-free public charter school, designed to help student-athletes prepare for collegiate athletics. Includes 10 credits of A-G, NCAA-approved coursework focused on the connection between mind, body, and athletic performance while training with their coach.
• Legacy Legend Program A donor program where individuals can financially adopt a school or schools to implement the Ambassadors of Compassion program. Donation tiers include Transform a School ($24,000 for 400 students), Impact a School ($15,000 for 250 students), and Support a School ($6,000 for 100 students).
• Ambassadors Funding Program A fundraising opportunity for schools and teams where students enlist adults to fill out one-minute online surveys. Schools receive payment for each completed survey with no products sold, no personal data shared, and no cost to participants. Teams have raised up to $20,000 in 30 days through this program, and over $1,000,000 has been provided to teams and schools since the 2020-2021 school year.

Quantifiable outcome

• 87% fewer assertive discipline infractions
• +11 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Elite Academic AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerElite Academic Academy is a tuition-free K-12 public charter school partner that delivers the Peak Performance athletic program. The partnership provides 10-credit A-G, NCAA-approved coursework for student-athletes while training with coaches. WASC-accredited and NCAA compliant programs serving students across multiple California counties.
• Kansas City ChiefscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPro sports team partnership with co-owner, chairman, and CEO Clark Hunt hosting Legacy Leaders and Legends quarterly meetings. The Chiefs organization supports the Million Student Initiative.
• Arizona DiamondbacksmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerFormer owner Jerry Colangelo endorses the program, calling it 'a perfect vehicle to create lasting change.'
• Spencer Tillman (NFL Champion)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerFormer NFL player, Captain of Super Bowl XXIV Champion San Francisco 49ers, AOC Coach, and CBS/Fox Sports Analyst. Serves as Ambassadors of Compassion Coach and promotes the program as building leaders who can deal with life transitions.
• Mario LopezmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTelevision host and actor (Access Hollywood) who endorses the program and encourages others on their Ambassadors journey.
• Craig Cheek (Nike Inc.)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerFormer Vice President at Nike Inc. provides perspective that Ambassadors of Compassion addresses personal issues that are often the difference between great and mediocre team success.
• Wayne Huizenga Jr.majorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresident of Huizenga Holdings, Inc. and former owner of Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins. States the Ambassadors journey 'challenges and inspires youth to leave the past behind and reach out to their full potential in life.'
• Admiral Mike McCabecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRetired TOPGUN pilot, instructor, and President of the TOPGUN Association. Three-star Admiral frequently speaks to corporations and shares the genuine account of TOPGUN through Ambassadors Zoom meetings.
• Coca-ColamajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting Ambassadors of Compassion programs and helping put students through the program.
• CostcomajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting Ambassadors of Compassion programs.
• YMCAmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommunity organization partner providing support for students and schools through the Ambassadors program.
• ToyotamajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting Ambassadors of Compassion programs.
• Wells FargomajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting Ambassadors of Compassion programs.
• Boys & Girls ClubsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational youth organization partner providing community support for Ambassadors programs.
• Tyson FoodsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting Ambassadors of Compassion programs.
• Los Angeles AngelsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMLB team partner supporting Ambassadors of Compassion programs.
• UCLAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUniversity partner with athletic programs supporting Ambassadors of Compassion.
• Alabama Crimson TideminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollege athletics partner featured in program videos and testimonials.
• Admiral Mark FitzgeraldmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerRetired United States Navy admiral and former Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, Africa, Naples. States the core values of the military dovetail perfectly with the values of Ambassadors of Compassion program.
• Willie Robertson (Duck Dynasty)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading star of TV series Duck Dynasty speaks about the Ambassadors of Compassion Program in promotional video.
• Phoenix Rotary ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFirst and largest Rotary Club of Phoenix, Arizona partnered with Ambassadors of Compassion, with President Monica Lindstrom discussing the partnership.

Scale indicators18 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• CharacterStrong: CharacterStrong provides K-12 character education and SEL curriculum focused on relationship-building, goal-setting, and emotional resilience. Directly comparable to AOC's R.I.S.E./L.I.F.E. curriculum model.
• Second Step (Committee for Children): Committee for Children's Second Step program is one of the most widely adopted SEL curricula in K-12 schools. It directly competes with AOC by addressing emotional regulation, empathy, and student resilience in school settings.
• Rachel's Challenge: Rachel's Challenge is a nonprofit delivering school-based programs for kindness, empathy, and anti-bullying through assemblies and curriculum. Comparable as a nonprofit K-12 character/emotional resilience program reaching large student populations.

Broad incumbents

• EverFi: EverFi delivers digital SEL, mental wellness, and character education curricula to K-12 schools and districts. It is comparable as a B2B provider of evidence-based youth development programming to school systems, though at significantly larger scale.
• YMCA of the USA: YMCA is a youth and community development nonprofit that partners with AOC for program delivery. Comparable mission in youth character and resilience, but much larger scale and broader programming.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: BGCA is a nationwide youth development nonprofit that partners with AOC. Comparable youth development mission and donor/sponsor model, though operates physical club locations rather than school-embedded programs.
• Junior Achievement: Junior Achievement is a large nonprofit delivering K-12 programs in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Comparable as a school-partnered nonprofit using corporate sponsorship, though broader in scope than AOC.

Others

• National Association of School Psychologists SEL Resources: NASP and similar associations provide SEL frameworks and training adopted by school districts. Adjacent infrastructure players in the youth mental health and SEL ecosystem where AOC operates.
• Varsity Tutors / Peak Performance Sports: Varsity Tutors and similar academic-athletic hybrid platforms address the student-athlete development space AOC's Peak Performance Program targets. Adjacent rather than direct competitor.

Emerging players

• The Born This Way Foundation: Founded by Lady Gaga, this nonprofit focuses on youth mental health, kindness, and emotional support through school programs. Comparable mission and donor-supported delivery model to AOC.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ambassadorsofcompassion5145/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/Ambassadorsofcompassion
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ambassadorsofcompassion
• Instagraminstagram.com/ambassadorsofcompassion
• TikToktiktok.com/@ambassadorsofcompassion
• Xx.com/aoclife

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ambassadors of Compassion