The SHAPE program was introduced in 4 participating South Florida high schools in 2002 as an initiative of the Mark J. Gordon Foundation. In October 2003, SHAPE, Inc. became an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and began its expansion in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, Vermont and Michigan. As of the 2008-09 school year, SHAPE successfully operates in 37 schools in Miami-Dade, Broward and newly added Palm Beach counties in Florida as well as several schools in Vermont. These schools include an addition of 12 new schools from the previous year. Schools, teachers and students have reported positive results and the SHAPE Clubs have generated an enthusiastic response from school administrators, School Boards, government and community leaders including former Florida Governor Jeb Bush. In 2008, SHAPE expanded its mission to include more facets of youth development. SHAPE's mission is to engage and empower high school students through philanthropic activities, leadership opportunities, civic engagement and career development to help them achieve personal and professional success. The program is on the brink of a new and exciting movement and expanding to include more schools in the current counties.