Heart Cards:
Finding Students Who Need Help
The Heart Card process is at the center of every BTG Impact assembly. This simple but powerful reflection tool helps identify students who may be struggling—and gets them connected to support before they leave school that day.
“The Heart Cards helped us identify 12 students who needed immediate support. We had no idea they were struggling.”
— Middle School Counselor
Hear What Students Are Writing to Our Athletes
Watch as pro athletes engage with authentic student voices—creating real human connection and showing students their words truly matter.
How the Heart Card Process Works
A simple, respectful process that creates space for students to be honest about how they're feeling.
Distribution
During the assembly, every student and staff member receives a Heart Card—a simple card for private reflection.
Reflection
At a meaningful moment in the speech, the athlete invites students to share how they're really feeling. This is completely voluntary.
Promise of Care
The athlete reassures students: "If I see that you wrote something concerning, I promise to share your card with a trusted adult in this building and do everything in my power to get you the help you need."
Review
After the assembly, the athlete and school counselors review every card. Concerning responses are flagged immediately.
Connection
Flagged students are connected with counselors and trusted adults before they leave school that day.
Why Heart Cards Work
Many students struggling with mental health never tell anyone. Heart Cards create a safe, private way for them to express what they're going through—often for the first time.
- Identifies students who are struggling but haven't spoken up
- Creates a safe, non-judgmental way for students to express feelings
- Provides real-time data to school counselors
- Enables same-day intervention for students in crisis
- Complements existing mental health resources
- Builds trust between students and school support systems
“That was the first time I ever told someone I was struggling.”
— 8th grader in Detroit
Privacy & Student Safety
We take student privacy seriously. Heart Cards are designed with safety and confidentiality at the core.
Completely Voluntary: Students choose whether to write anything on their Heart Card. There is no pressure.
Limited Access: Only the athlete and designated school counselors/staff review the cards.
Clear Communication: Students know upfront that if they share something concerning, trusted adults will be informed to help them.
Same-Day Response: Flagged cards are addressed before students leave school, ensuring timely support.
Ready to Help Students Open Up?
Heart Cards have helped schools across the country identify students in need and connect them with support. Bring this life-changing process to your school.