Who We Are

BE A CHAMPION, INC. was founded in 2001 (formerly as All-N-One) as a way of reaching out to under-privileged youth in the Houston area through sports, education, and through motivational speaking. BE A CHAMPION, INC. was started by two former offensive linemen for the University of Houston, Jaron Barganier and James Hong. Barganier and Hong both felt that athletes should be positive role models for young people and wanted to provide a program to help facilitate a way for athletes to give back.

History

2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014

2001

Be A Champion, Inc. was founded in 2001(formerly as All-N-One) as a youth organization providing summer youth and sports camps.
2002

The first sports camp was held in summer of 2002 in West Houston with 6 kids. That year, the Little Coogs Program was born as an outreach program providing under-privileged youth an opportunity to gain some exposure to a university campus and gameday experience with 60 kids attending each UH home football game.
2003

BE A CHAMPION, INC. had expanded to over 6 locations around the Houston area with over 3,300 youth participating in Summer camps and over 100 kids attending each UH home football game. Was awarded the National Youth Sports Program Grant to operate a summer sports camp at the University of Houston Wellness Center.
2004

In October of 2004, BE A CHAMPION, INC. was incorporated in the State of Texas as a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization.
2005

Established the By-Laws and organizational documents for BE A CHAMPION, INC. Began to raise money for programming through sponsorships and program funding. Established the CATS (Career, Arts, Technology and Sports) model for enrichment programs.
2006

In Fall of 2006, BE A CHAMPION, INC. began offering after-school enrichment programs to 11 locations around the Houston area. Obtained its first grant for after-school programming. Little Coogs sponsorships more than tripled since 2003.
2007

BE A CHAMPION, INC. expanded to 25 locations expanding during school tutorials and after-school enrichment programs. The first year to offer the AVID Tutorial programs. Hires first employees for the organization.
2008

BE A CHAMPION, INC. expanded to 11 summer locations and 26 after-school locations around the Houston area. Reached 120 sponsors for Little Coogs and grew sponsorship support over 650% since 2003 with over 900 kids attending each UH home football game.
2009

BE A CHAMPION, INC. expanded to 30 after-school enrichment programs and over 160 sponsors for Little Coogs.
2010

BE A CHAMPION, INC. received its first federal/state grant award through the Texas Department of Education for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant. Expands employee base to 25. BE A CHAMPION, INC. moved into its first office.
2011

BE A CHAMPION, INC. reached an all-time record for sponsorships and Little Coogs attendance (an average of 1,800 per game).
2012

BE A CHAMPION, INC. expands to co-pay during and after-school programs.
2013

BE A CHAMPION, INC. introduces Champion Fuel Food Program to program partners. At one point, serves over 40,000 snacks/suppers per day.
2014

BE A CHAMPION, INC. is awarded a direct contract as a Sponsor/Contracting Entity with the Texas Department of Education providing the CACFP and SFSP food programs under the USDA Child and Nutrition Programs.

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Management

Jaron Barganier

Founder & CEO- Jaron serves as the Founder & CEO and Chairman of the Board of BE A CHAMPION, INC. since 2001. He is responsible for all program oversight and management. Jaron earned his Bachelors in Science at the University of Houston in May 2004 and a Masters in Public Administration at Texas Southern University in May 2006.

James Hong

Co-Founder & COO-James serves as the Co-Founder & COO and Vice-Chairman of the Board of BE A CHAMPION, INC. since 2001. He is responsible for all business operations and management. James earned his Bachelors in Business Administration from the University of Houston (Bauer College of Business) in December 2005.

Board of Directors