Our mission: Empowering today’s youth to overcome adversity, build strong character through compassion and forgiveness, and create resilient communities.
At the Louis Zamperini Foundation, we inspire young people to face challenges with determination, embrace forgiveness, and cultivate empathy. Through our transformative programs, including the Unbroken Curriculum, we teach students to navigate adversity, engage in civil discourse, end bullying, and build stronger, more compassionate connections with their peers. Grounded in the values of faith, we guide youth to live with purpose and integrity, empowering them to create a positive impact in their communities.
For over 70 years the incredible story of Louis Zamperini has offered youth a powerful example of overcoming adversity and finding personal transformation through resilience and faith, providing them with a beacon of hope. As one 15-year-old student, JJ, shared: “Dear Louie, Your story means everything to kids like me who feel stranded, holding on through life’s struggles. It shows that, no matter what we’re facing, we can push through, find reasons to keep going, and stay alive. Even on our darkest days, there’s always hope. Your story is a beacon for those who need it most. Thank you for showing us that we can get through anything.”
• We continue to bring Louis’ story to today’s youth by reaching students in public and private high schools, as well as at-risk youth in Foster Care programs, Youth Correctional Facilities, the National Guard Youth Challenge Program, Inner City Camp Programs, and rehabilitation programs.
• The extraordinary journey of Louis Zamperini—rising from troubled youth to Olympic athlete, surviving a harrowing sea ordeal, enduring the brutalities of a Japanese POW camp, and finding the strength to forgive his captors through faith—empowers today’s youth, inspiring them to believe in the transformative power of redemption, forgiveness, and the unwavering hope that they, too, can overcome any obstacle. Louis' story continues to resonate deeply in schools, rehabilitation programs, and youth organizations, providing young people with a lasting example of resilience and purpose.
Luke Zamperini addresses a group of students at Sunburst Youth Academy, a premier residential leadership academy for teens that is part of the National Guard Youth Challenge program. The Unbroken Curriculum has been an important element to their goal of developing the self-confidence, discipline, and life-skills to lead a successful life!
“Everyone has a shot at redemption” One of the take-aways from a resident at the Dream Center after studying Unbroken. Luke & Lisa Zamperini were humbled to be a part of this important study!
Luke sharing his fathers message of HOPE at the Ventura County Youth Correctional Facility in California.
The chapel was filled with attentive hearts and minds, fully open to hearing the life changing story of redemption. This story captures youth in an unparalleled way!
Luke and Lisa in the classroom with World Geography teacher Heather Fuller. Luke displays the graph diagramming the students conversations at the Round Table discussion of Unbroken. This graph gives teachers the ability to recognize participation as well as acknowledge and encourage those less likely to share! This is designed to leave NO STUDENT out of the conversation!
Your generous contribution allows us to bring essential learning materials, curriculum development, teacher training, and digital resources to middle and high school classrooms. It ensures these tools are provided at no cost to Title 1 schools and non-profit organizations, empowering students and communities in need to unlock their full potential and achieve lasting success.
Louis Zamperini leads a group of boys in 1955.
The history of VICTORY BOYS' CAMPS
Celebrating 62 years, providing inspiration, guidance and a path forward to at-risk youth, Victory Boys Camps continues its long and storied history, as The Louis Zamperini Foundation.