GRiT SQUAD

Unlocking the “I’M Possible” Mindset—One Card at a Time.

Meet the Grit Squad: The gamified SEL tool that turns classroom culture into a high-performance dugout.

Character is the Game-Changer.

Building resilience shouldn’t feel like a chore. The Grit Squad is a collection of 30+ “Modern Cinematic Vinyl” trading cards that transform abstract Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into a tangible, collectible adventure.

These aren’t just souvenirs; they are “Memory Anchors” that transforms your classroom from a standard SEL “lesson” to a high-energy resilient school culture.

• For Educators: A turn-key reward system that replaces “behavior management” with “character coaching.”
• For Parents: A common language to build self-worth and grit at the dinner table.
• For Students: A high-energy way to “level up” their real-world Mindset, Heart, and Grit.

More Than Just a Collectible.

Every card is a behavioral blueprint designed to be “played” in real life. By giving students a physical object to hold, the abstract concept of “Grit” becomes concrete.

• The Look: Premium “Modern Cinematic Vinyl” art that kids actually want to collect.
• The Power Stats: Every player has a Mindset (M), Heart (H), and Grit (G) rating to gamify character growth.
• The I’m Possible Mindset: A bite-sized narrative shift on every card to help students reframe their internal narrative dialogue.
• The Daily Quest: A practical, age-appropriate action to proves the strength in the real world.

Name: Grit Giraffe
Position: Staring Pitcher
Power: Relentless Perseverance
Mindset: 85
Heart: 80
Grit: 99
I’m Possible Mindset: Keep your head above the “noise.” See the goal, even when it’s far away.
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How to Use the SEL Cards in the Classroom

Teachers, Conselors, and Principals are using these cards to replace traditional “behavior management” with proactive Character Coaching:

• The “Bounce-Back” Voucher: Award a Bounce-Back Bunny card when you witness a student persist through a difficult math problem or social conflict.
• The Captain’s Circle: Use the Worth Warrior Wolf card as a centerpiece for Morning Huddles to discuss self-worth, leadership, and community.
• 1-of-1 Recognition: Principals keep a “Vault” of Grit Squad cards for students who showing perseverance, kindness, empathy, etc.
• The “Morning Lineup” Strategy: Start the day by drawing one card. The Daily Quest on that card becomes the mission for the entire class.

Outcome: Improved focus, reduced conflict, and a language that shapes a resilient school culture.

At Home

The “Post-Game” Connection Use the I’m Possible Perspective as a conversation starter. Challenge your child to a “Daily Quest” and celebrate when they “level up” their Grit stats.

Outcome: Stronger self-worth and a screen-free way to connect.

The Grit Squad SEL Card Packages

We’ve made it easy for your students to join the squad with tiers designed for every level of integration:

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this aligned with SEL standards? Yes. Every card is mapped to core SEL competencies, including Self-Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making.
• What age group is this for? The Grit Squad is optimized for Elementary students (K-5), with art that is “cool” enough for 5th graders and language that is simple enough for Kindergartners.

Ready to Change your School Culture?

Join the thousands of educators and parents helping their students discover that they are capable of doing hard things.

To unlock the “I’M Possible” mindset one card at a time, email info@eddiecortes.com to place your order.

Let’s ensure your students remember they are I’m Possible every single day

EDDIE CORTÉS

Top School Assembly Speaker

RATING: ★★★★★ 4.98 ⋅ 170+ BOOKINGS

• Former At-Risk Student Turned High-Impact Youth Speaker
• Author of I’m Possible: A Kid’s Guide To Building Resilience
• Trusted by School Districts for High-Energy Assemblies That Stick

Youth Motivational Speaker: High-Energy School Assembly Program for Social Emotional Learning

Empowering Students with Grit, Perseverance, and the “I’M POSSIBLE” Mindset

Is your school looking for a high energy speaker who can truly bridge the gap between inspiration and lasting change? Eddie Cortés is a premier youth motivational speaker dedicated to helping elementary students transform their obstacles into opportunities.

Through his signature school assembly program, Eddie delivers a powerful message of perseverance that resonates with K-8 students. By integrating core social emotional learning (SEL) principles, Eddie empowers young people to build the grit necessary to navigate the challenges of modern life.

Inquire About Booking Eddie for Your School Today – Fill out the form below for pricing and availability.

Why Schools Choose Eddie Cortés for Social Emotional Learning

Eddie Cortés isn’t just another speaker; he is a catalyst for change. As a former at-risk student who overcame abandonment and crushed dreams, Eddie speaks from a place of raw authenticity. He knows firsthand that when a student lacks grit, they stop dreaming.

Today, Eddie partners with schools across the U.S. to deliver a school assembly program that is:

• High-Energy: Keeping students engaged from the first minute to the last.

• Relatable: Using personal stories that mirror the struggles students face today.

• Action-Oriented: Providing a “Growth Mindset” toolkit that students can use immediately.

Building Resilience and Perseverance in Every Student

Through the “I’M POSSIBLE” experience, students move beyond passive listening to active participation. This school assembly program focuses on: Developing Grit: Learning that effort and passion are the keys to long-term success.

• Social Emotional Learning: Cultivating self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making.
• The Power of Perseverance: Understanding that failure is a stepping stone, not a dead end.

Tailored School Assembly Programs for Every Grade Level

Grades K-2: Teaching Resilience Through Stories, Skits, and Self-Belief (30 Mins)

Theme: Bounce Back with High-Energy Fun What if your youngest learners embraced challenges instead of fearing them? In this high energy speaker presentation, Eddie transforms the stage into the GSPN (Grit Squad Programming Network). Featuring “Character Coaches” like Barker the Broadcasting Beagle and Bounce-Back Bunny, this program introduces perseverance through interactive storytelling.

Key Takeaway:

• Bounce Back: Learn to overcome obstacles and turn problems into exciting challenges!
• Do Hard Things: Embrace challenges and learn from them.
• Believe in Yourself: Nurture a positive “I can, I will!” attitude.

Grades 3-5: Helping Students Build Resilience & Believe in Their Potential (45 Mins)

Theme: Potential vs. Limitations Eddie helps upper elementary students realize that their potential is far greater than their current circumstances. Using humor and object lessons, this youth motivational speaker creates a school-wide language around grit and self-worth.

Key Takeaway:

• Reframe challenges as opportunities to grow and bounce back
• Build a growth mindset that says “I can, I will” when facing fear or failure
• Strengthen self-worth and see yourself as capable and valuable
• Leave equipped to take action and pursue meaningful goals
• Apply the eight habits of the P.O.S.S.I.B.L.E. mindset: Perseverance, Obstacles to Opportunities, Strength in Support, Seek Growth, Inspirational Icons, Believe in Your Potential, Learn, Embrace Who You Are.

Grades 6-8: Helping Students Build Resilience & Believe They’re Enough (55 Mins)

Theme: Resilience in the Face of Adversity Middle school is a pivotal time for social emotional learning. Eddie shares his personal journey of overcoming a “crushed dream” to show students how to protect their self-worth. This session is a deep dive into perseverance, teaching students to silence their inner critics.

Key Takeaway:

• Bounce back from adversity and turn obstacles into learning opportunities
• Do hard things, face failure, and develop an “I can, I will” mindset
• Understand how mentors and support systems help you go further, faster
• Build self-worth and see yourself as worthy of success
• Reimagine the impossible by embracing the “I’m Possible” mindset

Bring a High Energy Speaker to Your Campus

Ready to spark a transformation in your student body? Eddie Cortés provides more than just a speech—he provides a roadmap for social emotional learning success.

Don’t wait for the next crisis to talk about resilience. Build a culture of grit today.

Click here to watch a video of the I’M POSSIBLE school assembly program and here for testimonials.

Book Your School Assembly Program Now

Want to bring Eddie’s powerful message to your students? Let’s make it happen!

📞 Call (800) 799-1460 (Mon-Fri, 8 AM-5 PM CT)
📧 Email info@eddiecortes.com

Follow Eddie on Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Give Your Students the Gift of Resilience & Possibility

Schedule a conversation today and empower your students with a life-changing school assembly experience!