You want your students to succeed in school, athletics, and life. These five programs help you build character, confidence, and decision-making skills.
The Growing Need for Character Education
Character education is no longer a nice-to-have. Schools across Tennessee and the country are under pressure to address social-emotional learning, mental health, and career readiness. Programs that blend self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making are in high demand. The five options below each take a different approach, but they share a common goal: helping students become their best selves.
How We Evaluated These Programs
We looked at five factors: service scope (does it cover middle and high school, athletes, and career prep?), pricing clarity (is cost transparent or available on request?), local fit (does it align with Tennessee standards?), delivery flexibility (in-person, virtual, or hybrid?), and evidence of impact (research base or testimonials). Each program stood out in different ways. OWN YOUR GREATNESS impressed with its Tennessee SPC alignment and real-life storytelling. CHARACTER COUNTS! showed a long history and a PK-12 framework. Positive Action offered an evidence-based, whole-school model. Live Wire Media provided a vast library of free and paid resources. The Positivity Project focused on character strengths and relationships.
Here is a quick comparison to help you see how these programs differ.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| CHARACTER COUNTS! | Schools seeking a proven, PK-12 character education framework |
| OWN YOUR GREATNESS | Tennessee schools and athletic programs wanting a tailored, SPC-aligned curriculum |
| Positive Action | Districts and schools wanting an evidence-based, whole-school approach |
| Live Wire Media / GoodCharacter.com | Educators seeking free and low-cost lesson plans and activities |
| The Positivity Project | Schools focused on character strengths and relationship-building |
The 5 Programs Worth Knowing
#1 CHARACTER COUNTS!
A screenshot of the CHARACTER COUNTS! website.
You have probably heard of the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. CHARACTER COUNTS! has been building on that framework for more than 30 years. The program offers a PK-12 curriculum, daily lessons, visual resources, and professional development. It supports social-emotional learning (SEL), PBIS, and positive school culture. If you need a flexible, research-based approach that can be adopted school-wide, this is a solid choice. Learn more about their Six Pillars and success stories.
#2 OWN YOUR GREATNESS
A screenshot of the OWN YOUR GREATNESS website.
OWN YOUR GREATNESS is a student character and leadership development curriculum designed for middle and high school students. It focuses on self-awareness, self-management, relationship building, and decision-making. The program aligns with Tennessee’s Social and Personal Competencies framework, making it a strong local fit. What sets it apart is the use of real-life storytelling, practical application, and flexible delivery. They offer a 6-week Life & Career Preparedness workshop for grades 9-12 and a specialized program for student-athletes called Adversity Readiness. You can explore their curriculum and workshops.
#3 Positive Action
A screenshot of the Positive Action website.
Positive Action takes an evidence-based approach to character education. Their programs are designed to improve academics, behavior, and mental health. They offer a whole-school reform model with curricula for Pre-K through high school. The program is grounded in research and has been shown to reduce absenteeism, discipline referrals, and suspensions. If you are looking for a comprehensive, data-driven solution, Positive Action is worth a look. See their character education programs and research outcomes.
#4 Live Wire Media / GoodCharacter.com
A screenshot of the Live Wire Media / GoodCharacter.com website.
Live Wire Media / GoodCharacter.com is a treasure trove of character education and SEL resources. You will find teaching guides, lesson plans, classroom activities, and helpful articles for elementary, middle, and high school. They also cover topics like bullying, cyber safety, and setting goals. Many resources are free, and they offer media for purchase. It is a great starting point for educators who want to build their own program. Check out their teaching guides and resources.
#5 The Positivity Project
A screenshot of The Positivity Project website.
The Positivity Project (P2) focuses on building character strengths and the Other People Mindset. Their model emphasizes relationships and consistency. They provide training, resources, and a free character strength survey. The program is designed for schools and districts, with alignment to MTSS, career readiness, and portrait of a graduate initiatives. If you want to foster a connected culture and reduce discipline referrals, P2 offers a structured approach. Learn more about how it works for schools and their impact.
How to Choose the Right Program
Start by identifying your students’ biggest needs. Are they struggling with self-awareness? Decision-making? Adversity? Then consider your budget and delivery preferences. Some programs are comprehensive and require a larger investment. Others offer free resources you can implement immediately. Check alignment with Tennessee standards if you are in the state. Finally, look for evidence of impact. Ask for case studies or testimonials. The right program is the one that fits your context and your students.
The Bottom Line
You have five strong options for character development in Tennessee. CHARACTER COUNTS! offers a time-tested framework. OWN YOUR GREATNESS provides a local, SPC-aligned curriculum with real-life storytelling. Positive Action delivers evidence-based, whole-school reform. Live Wire Media gives you a wealth of free resources. The Positivity Project focuses on strengths and relationships. Evaluate your needs, check alignment, and choose the program that will help your students own their greatness.