TEEN TRUTH: Powerful School Assemblies Across Illinois

Searching for a meaningful school assembly near you? TEEN TRUTH delivers engaging, student-focused programs to schools across Illinois, combining real stories, social-emotional learning (SEL), and dynamic presentations that empower students and strengthen school culture.

Why Illinois Schools Trust TEEN TRUTH

For more than two decades, TEEN TRUTH has helped students across the country find their voice, build resilience, and develop leadership skills. Our assemblies are built to connect with today’s students—highlighting their struggles, supporting their growth, and inspiring them to lead with confidence.

From Chicago and Naperville to Springfield, Rockford, and Champaign, Illinois educators count on TEEN TRUTH to deliver assemblies that resonate deeply and drive positive change.

Bring TEEN TRUTH to Your Illinois Campus

If you’re an educator or school leader looking for a school assembly near me that makes a lasting difference, TEEN TRUTH is here to help. We’ve presented to hundreds of schools across the Midwest, including many throughout Illinois. Our mission is to create a space where students feel heard, supported, and empowered. With every assembly, we tackle the real-life challenges your students face—from bullying and peer pressure to anxiety, identity, and leadership development. No two schools are the same, and our assemblies reflect that. We personalize each experience to fit the needs of your school community.

Storytelling + SEL = Lasting Impact

Illinois students face a wide range of social and emotional challenges. Whether your school is in downtown Chicago, the suburbs of DuPage County, or a small town in Southern Illinois, your students deserve programming that speaks to their realities. TEEN TRUTH assemblies use storytelling, real-life examples, and emotional engagement to break through barriers and spark positive change. We open doors for students to talk about mental health, relationships, and resilience in ways that stick long after the assembly is over.

What Sets TEEN TRUTH Apart

Unlike traditional assemblies that may feel generic or disconnected, TEEN TRUTH assemblies are built around the voices of students. Every presentation centers on personal storytelling and proven SEL strategies. Our speakers—many of whom have overcome significant life challenges—build an instant connection with audiences. This connection leads to real impact. Students walk away not just entertained, but changed. They feel seen. They feel valued. They feel capable of making a difference.

Illinois School Assembly Topics That Matter

Our school assembly programs can be tailored to address the issues most relevant to your school. Popular themes include:

  • Bullying Prevention

  • Mental Health & Wellness

  • Digital Responsibility & Cyberbullying

  • Student Leadership

  • School Culture & Climate

Whether you’re planning an assembly for your middle school, high school, or a K–12 private or charter school, TEEN TRUTH offers programming that fits your goals—perfect for Red Ribbon Week, wellness initiatives, leadership conferences, or staff development days.

Proven Impact Across Illinois

TEEN TRUTH has partnered with schools throughout Illinois, including districts in Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Elgin, Decatur, and more. We’ve seen firsthand how our assemblies spark honest conversations, unify student bodies, and create real behavioral change. Educators consistently tell us that our assemblies are some of the most powerful events they’ve hosted on campus. In a world where students are often overwhelmed or disconnected, TEEN TRUTH brings clarity, empathy, and hope.

Book a School Assembly in Illinois

If you’re searching for a school assembly in Illinois that truly connects with students and transforms school culture, we’d love to help. TEEN TRUTH assemblies aren’t just presentations—they’re a movement. We work directly with schools to customize each experience and ensure every student walks away feeling inspired and empowered.

Reach out today to request a quote, ask questions, or lock in a date. Let’s bring a powerful TEEN TRUTH experience to your Illinois school!

Our Illinois School Assembly Topics Include:

 

Social-Emotional Wellness Assembly in Illinois

Our Illinois SEL assemblies give students the tools they need to understand themselves and manage emotions effectively. These presentations are especially impactful in diverse environments like Chicago Public Schools or smaller communities where mental health support may be limited. We focus on empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence—skills that are vital for students across the state.

Building Strong School Culture Across Illinois

Whether you’re in a high-performing suburban district or a rural school in central Illinois, school culture plays a vital role in student success. Our school culture assembly helps educators and students create an environment built on inclusion, trust, and shared values.

Student Leadership Assembly for Illinois Youth

Illinois students are the future leaders of their schools and communities. This assembly shows students how to use their voice, lead with confidence, and become change-makers on their campuses. From student council in Schaumburg to leadership clubs in Springfield, we help students rise.

Social Media Awareness for Illinois Teens

In an age of constant connectivity, it’s critical for Illinois students to understand how their online choices affect their future. We explore digital footprints, online safety, and the emotional toll of social media—providing a much-needed reality check for students across the state.

Anti-Bullying Assembly for Illinois Schools

From urban campuses to rural districts, bullying remains a serious issue in Illinois schools. Our anti-bullying assemblies empower students to be allies, speak out, and foster kindness. We tailor the message to reflect the experiences of your specific school population.

Anti-Racism & Unity Assembly in Illinois

This program brings Illinois students together by addressing race, inclusion, and social justice through powerful storytelling. Whether your campus is predominantly diverse or struggling with division, we create space for unity, accountability, and healing.

Building Campus Relationships Throughout Illinois

Healthy campus relationships are key to a positive school culture. This session is ideal for Illinois schools looking to improve communication between students and staff, increase peer support, and create a connected campus where everyone belongs.

Building Resilience in Illinois Students

This assembly teaches students in Illinois how to bounce back from setbacks, handle adversity, and believe in themselves. Especially important in areas hit hard by poverty, trauma, or school disruptions, our program provides tools for long-term success.

Positive Behavior Choices for Illinois Campuses

Our positive behavior assembly supports PBIS efforts and character-building programs already in place across Illinois. We help reinforce good choices with relatable stories and strategies for accountability and integrity.

Drug & Vaping Prevention for Illinois Youth

Illinois teens are not immune to the vaping epidemic or substance abuse issues. Our drug and vaping prevention assembly gives students facts, tools, and the motivation to stay healthy—especially useful in health classes and Red Ribbon Week programs.

Supporting Students Struggling at Home in Illinois

This assembly acknowledges that many students in Illinois face personal hardships beyond the classroom. We create space for healing and resilience, giving struggling students hope and helping educators identify how best to support them.

Finding Your Passion: Illinois Students Finding Purpose

We encourage Illinois students to explore what lights them up and dream big about their futures. Whether it’s a career, a cause, or a personal goal, this assembly helps students from every background discover what drives them.

Some More Of Our Assembly Topics Include:

Social-Emotional Wellness School Assembly

Social-emotional wellness is a crucial aspect of overall well-being that encompasses an individual’s ability to understand and manage their emotions, build positive relationships, and navigate life’s challenges effectively. It involves self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and interpersonal skills. Prioritizing social-emotional wellness can lead to improved mental health, better resilience, and enhanced overall life satisfaction. Developing these skills can positively impact personal relationships, academic or professional success, and one’s ability to cope with stress and adversity. Whether through mindfulness practices, therapy, or educational programs, fostering social-emotional wellness is essential for leading a balanced and fulfilling life. Contact TEEN TRUTH for a social-emotional wellness assembly for schools.

Building School Culture

School Culture Assembly

A “school culture” assembly for schools builds up the collective attitudes, values, and behaviors that shape the overall environment within an educational institution. It encompasses the shared beliefs, traditions, and social norms that influence how students, teachers, and staff interact with each other and engage with the learning process. A positive school culture promotes inclusivity, respect, and a sense of belonging, fostering an environment where students feel safe, motivated, and eager to learn. It is built upon open communication, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to academic excellence, character development, and personal growth. School culture plays a vital role in shaping students’ experiences and their academic achievements, making it a critical component of any successful educational institution.

TEEN TRUTH Leadership Summit Builds School Culture

Student Leadership Assembly for Schools

Student leadership is all about the active involvement of students in taking on leadership roles within their schools. These roles can vary from serving as class representatives and club presidents to taking on responsibilities in student government or other campus organizations. Student leadership provides an opportunity for young individuals to develop essential skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making. It also fosters a sense of responsibility, empowerment, and ownership in shaping their school’s culture and community. Student leaders often advocate for student interests, drive positive change, and contribute to a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. By engaging in student leadership, young people not only enhance their personal growth but also play a vital role in influencing the direction and spirit of their educational institutions.

Social Media Awareness Assembly

Social media awareness pertains to the conscious and responsible use of online platforms to ensure digital well-being. It involves understanding the potential impacts of one’s social media activities on mental health, privacy, and relationships. With the widespread use of social media, awareness campaigns aim to educate individuals about online safety, the dangers of cyberbullying, and the need for digital etiquette. Being socially media-aware also involves recognizing the potential for misinformation and fake news and developing critical thinking skills to assess the credibility of online content. By practicing social media awareness, individuals can use these platforms as tools for communication, connection, and information while mitigating potential negative consequences and fostering a healthier online presence.

student girls gossip in classroom

Anti-Bullying Assembly for Schools

Anti-bullying initiatives are crucial efforts dedicated to preventing and addressing bullying in schools and communities. They emphasize the importance of creating safe and respectful environments where all individuals are free from physical, verbal, or online harassment. These programs aim to raise awareness about the damaging effects of bullying on victims and perpetrators alike, emphasizing the need for empathy, kindness, and conflict resolution skills. Anti-bullying campaigns often provide resources and support for those affected by bullying and promote a culture of inclusion and acceptance. By fostering a collective commitment to stand up against bullying, these initiatives work to create a world where everyone can thrive without fear of harassment or harm.

everyone pointing at and blaming teacher for conflict

Fighting Racism & Promoting Unity on Campus Assembly

The TEEN TRUTH: Anti-Racism school assembly empowers students to recognize and challenge racism by fostering empathy, unity, and personal responsibility. Through powerful real-life stories, interactive discussions, and engaging multimedia, the presentation helps students realize the power of our words and how they can either uplift or divide us. Featuring dynamic young Black speakers like Brandon McCall or Jamar Root, the assembly brings authentic perspectives and personal experiences that resonate with students. By inspiring action and accountability, TEEN TRUTH helps create a more inclusive and respectful school culture where every voice matters.

Building Campus and School Staff Relationships

Campus Relationships Assembly

Campus relationships encompass the diverse connections and interactions that occur within an educational institution, such as schools, colleges, and universities. These relationships are not limited to friendships, but extend to interactions with teachers, staff, mentors, and peers. Positive campus relationships play a significant role in shaping the overall educational experience, promoting a sense of belonging and support. They facilitate academic growth, personal development, and emotional well-being by providing students with guidance, collaboration opportunities, and a social network. Campus relationships also contribute to a positive school culture and can serve as a foundation for future personal and professional connections. Cultivating healthy and respectful campus relationships is essential for creating a harmonious and enriching educational environment.

TEEN TRUTH Tomorrow's Leaders

Building Resilient Students Assembly

Building resilient students is a fundamental objective in education, aiming to equip young individuals with the skills and mindset to effectively navigate life’s challenges. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, learn from setbacks, and adapt to changing circumstances. Educational institutions play a crucial role in fostering resilience by providing a supportive and encouraging environment. Strategies to build resilient students often involve teaching problem-solving skills, promoting emotional intelligence, and encouraging a growth mindset that embraces setbacks as opportunities for growth. By instilling resilience, schools help students develop the mental fortitude needed to face the uncertainties of the future, build self-confidence, and thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Resilient students are better prepared to overcome obstacles, persevere through adversity, and achieve their full potential. Book a school assembly today.

Anti-Bully School Assembly TEEN TRUTH JC Pohl

Positive Behavior Choices Assembly for Schools

Positive behavior choices are crucial when promoting well-being, harmony, and constructive interactions on a school campus. These choices involve acts of kindness, empathy, respect, and responsible decision-making. In educational settings, encouraging positive behavior choices is a vital component of fostering a safe and supportive learning environment. It empowers students to develop strong character traits, social skills, and ethical values, contributing to a positive school culture. Promoting positive behavior choices can involve reward systems, character education programs, and restorative justice practices, all aimed at helping individuals recognize the impact of their actions on themselves and those around them. By making conscious, positive behavior choices, individuals contribute to a healthier and more harmonious community, both within educational institutions and in the broader society.

Drug and Vaping Prevention School Assembly

Drug and vaping prevention programs are critical initiatives aimed at educating individuals, especially young people, about the risks and consequences associated with substance abuse, including vaping. These programs provide information on the harmful effects of various drugs, the addictive nature of substances, and the potential health and social consequences. They also emphasize the importance of making informed decisions, building resistance to peer pressure, and seeking support when faced with substance-related challenges. Our drug and vaping prevention assembly for schools is essential for promoting healthy choices, reducing addiction rates, and protecting the well-being of individuals, particularly among the youth. 

Anti-Bullying kids standing up against bullying

Kids That Are Struggling at Home Assembly

Kids who are struggling at home face a range of challenges that can impact their overall well-being. These challenges may include issues like family dynamics, economic hardship, parental stress, or difficult living situations. It’s crucial to recognize that such struggles can significantly affect a child’s emotional and academic development. Educational institutions, along with parents and caregivers, play a critical role in providing support and resources for these children. Initiatives like counseling services, mentoring programs, and educational assistance can help struggling kids cope with their home situations and create a stable, nurturing environment. By addressing the unique needs of these children, we can better equip them to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.

Finding Your Passion Assembly

Finding your passion is a transformative journey that involves discovering what truly excites and motivates you. It’s about identifying activities, interests, or causes that ignite your enthusiasm and engage your creativity. Passion is a powerful force that can drive personal fulfillment and success in various aspects of life. It’s not always a straightforward process, and for some, it may take time to uncover their true passion. Exploring different experiences, hobbies, and career paths can be instrumental in this quest. Once you’ve identified your passion, it can serve as a guiding light, influencing your life choices, career decisions, and overall sense of purpose. Cultivating your passion allows you to find joy and meaning in your endeavors, contributing to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

Meet Our Assembly for Schools Speakers

Jared Scott #1 Youth Speaker

Jamar Root

Top Youth Speaker

JC Pohl School Culture Expert

Brandon McCall

Best Motivational Speaker

Caleb #1 Mental Health Speaker

Morgan Hannaleck

#1 Female Speaker

Caleb #1 Mental Health Speaker

Jordan Meyer

Best Mental Health Speaker

Meet Our Expert School Assembly Speaker

JC Pohl - TEEN TRUTH

JC Pohl, LMFT

School Culture Expert

JC Pohl is an award-winning producer, nationally recognized speaker, and certified counselor who has reached more than 12 million students with his efforts to build school culture and empower student voice. He has produced groundbreaking programs such as TEEN TRUTH and RISING UP, and award-winning content for companies such as Warner Brothers, ESPN, and Disney. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and currently serves as the President & CEO of TEEN TRUTH.

Illinois School Assembly

A TEEN TRUTH assembly is designed for school programs to stop bullying, teen suicide, and social-emotional issues in their tracks. Skip the magicians and comedians, book a trusted school assembly that will build your school culture and empower student voice.

INVITE TEEN TRUTH TO YOUR SCHOOL

JC Pohl, LMFT
President & CEO
info@teentruth.net
818.237.5082

If you’d like more information on hosting TEEN TRUTH, simply fill out this contact form and we’ll be in touch…

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