DOC - Raising the Standard: Empowering Youth with Purpose – with Rick Gornto

In this powerful episode of Defending Our Children, we sit down with Rick Gornto, founder of HigherUpTexas.org, to explore how purpose-driven mentorship is changing the lives of young people across our communities.

Rick shares the vision behind Higher Up Texas—a program that helps at-risk youth develop core values, life skills, and a sense of identity rooted in integrity and responsibility. With a passion for guiding the next generation, Rick discusses how intentional leadership and community support can break cycles of poverty, violence, and disengagement.

If you're a parent, educator, or advocate looking for real solutions to help our kids rise above today’s challenges, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.