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During his rookie year in 1996, New York Yankees All-Star shortstop Derek Jeter established the Turn 2 Foundation to promote healthy lifestyles amongst youth. While sharing a pizza in a Detroit hotel room, Derek announced to his father that he was ready for his own foundation. Then and there, they laid the plans for Turn 2. The name "Turn 2" is symbolic of the dramatic double play made by infielders during a game. It also represents Derek's wish to promote healthy lifestyles among young people and enable them to "turn to" his Foundation for guidance and the much needed help to avoid drugs and alcohol.

Our mission is to create and support signature programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and "Turn 2" healthy lifestyles. We will reward the positive behavior of these children, especially those demonstrating academic achievement and leadership, with the support of our sponsors, partners and Turn 2 staff. Their commitment and hands on involvement will be key.

We will use the following strategies:

• Create "Signature Programs" to guide children each day towards healthy lifestyles while reinforcing the avoidance of drugs and alcohol.
• Fund organizations that treat and help prevent teenage substance abuse.
• Host special events as a platform for Derek to personally deliver his message to today's youth.
• Leverage the integrity and popularity of Derek to raise awareness in children that good choices must be practiced daily.

Since its launch in December 1996, the Turn 2 Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in grants to Turn 2's signature programs as well as existing substance abuse prevention and treatment programs. Our efforts have reached thousands of children in the New York City, West Michigan and Tampa areas.

As Turn 2 Foundation President Derek's goal is to guide children in the right direction and help them become the leaders of tomorrow. Derek gets personally involved by visiting signature programs and hosting special events for thousands of children throughout the year.

Turn 2 Signature Programs include:

• Jeter's Leaders: Recognizing students in New York City and Greater Kalamazoo for their academic achievements, extracurricular activities and community service. Leaders are responsible for delivering a positive message to their peers, focusing on leading drug and alcohol-free lifestyles.
• TRAM-Derek's Dugout: In September 2004, TRAM began its partnership with the Turn 2 Foundation when the doors of their after-school program, "Extra Innings at Derek's Dugout," were opened. Each year, this after-school program has grown in size and reputation. It currently has 34 students between the third and eighth grade level enrolled, as well as two Michigan Works employees and high-school-aged volunteers -- four of which have served at least three years. Based on reports from Principals, teachers and parents, the participants in TRAM's after-school program have shown improvement in their academics, behavior and overall attitudes. Life is good at "Derek's Dugout!
• Turn 2 Us, Healthy Lifestyles: In partnership with Children's Hospital of New York and Public School 128 in Washington Heights, Turn 2 has launched this program consisting of three components: healthy lifestyles, education, and treatments that take a holistic approach to prevention. The goal of this unique school-based hospital program is to promote healthy lifestyles and self-esteem through educational, preventive, and clinical care initiatives that will provide services not just to the students, but to their families as well.
• Turn 2 After School: Reaching almost 400 children in the boroughs of Harlem, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, students participate in cultural arts, physical fitness and educational enrichment programs each weekday. Activities include computer lab, visual arts, drama, dance, and theme-based learning.
• Turn 2 Baseball Clinics: Available to youth in all five boroughs of New York City as well as to the youth of Kalamazoo. Participants take part in baseball drills and activities that cover the fundamentals of hitting, fielding, throwing, pitching, base running and more. They also receive special handouts detailing baseball and nutritional tips, as well as information based on Derek's 10 Life Lessons.
• Turn 2 Endowed Scholarships: Awards students for achieving academically and leading healthy lifestyles. The Foundation's endowed scholarships are: Jackie Robinson Foundation/Derek Jeter Scholarship, The Derek Jeter/Kalamazoo Community Foundation Scholarship, The Derek Jeter/Sonny Connors Scholarship and the Derek Jeter Turn 2 Foundation Scholarships.

• Turn 2 Proud to Be Me: Provides students in Kalamazoo, Mich., with an opportunity to increase their ability to withstand the pressures of drug and alcohol abuse throughout their lifespan. Students experience equestrian camp, swimming, activity trips, and in class drug and alcohol prevention activities. One of the important goals of this program is to help model students into drug and alcohol free citizens who will truly be Proud to Be who they are.
• Turn 2 Camp Program: Each year, Turn 2 awards approximately 100 children with the sleep away camp experience. Through a partnership with S.C.O.P.E., campers spend 2 weeks at an ACA accredited summer camp where they enjoy swimming, boating, arts & crafts, dancing, drama and sports activities.
• Jeter Meter: An incentive based program designed to promote healthy-lifestyles for children through physical fitness in a school-based setting. The program is a partnership among the Turn 2 Foundation, The Road Runners Foundation, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian and the New York City Public Schools who are participating in our Healthy Schools, Healthy Families program. The program's goal is to promote physical fitness and healthier lifestyles in students by motivating them to run or walk a minimum of 1/2 mile, three to five times a week, adding up to at least 105 miles during the school year.
• Youth in Action: Focuses on increasing student achievement in the areas of learning, literacy, and motivation to attend and participate in school. Another goal is to develop mentor relationships between youth participants and positive adult role models. Students benefit from personalized tutoring in specialized academic areas where they may be struggling.