E.L.I.T.E. targets youth who are at high risk. Carl states, "When we graduated the first group we didn’t see at risk or high risk kids. We saw hope. So, in speaking with those youth who are living within the communities that have a lot of crime, we asked them what we could do to make their day outside of school safer and to make their summer safer. They came up with Elite Certified Events."

This is where the behavior code and the dress code came from. They wanted dances, swim parties, etc. where they could be free of drugs, thugs, and drama. Elite Certified Events emerged and the facilitators of the Elite Program worked those events. The facilitators are different from teachers. Teachers are seen during the day but then not again until the next school day or the next school year. E.L.I.T.E. volunteers work the classrooms during the day, and they work the playgrounds, dances, swim parties, etc. during the evenings and weekends.

There is an extension of E.L.I.T.E.'s existence in the children's lives. Those events became Elite Certified Events. They became the safest venues within the community. Now, E.L.I.T.E. is working community events such as the Heart of Illinois Fair, Steamboat Days, and Heritage Days – venues that were shut down a year ago due to many arrests. There have been zero arrests to date since the program's inception.

All Rules Concerning Those Ages of 19 and Under

• I have not and will not consume alcohol or drugs prior to or during an event
• I will not commit any illegal act or possess any illegal objects.
• I will meet the appropriate dress code for the event.
• I will speak to and treat all attendees with respect.
• I will conduct myself as a lady or gentleman at all times.
• I will report inappropriate behavior to a chaperone or officer.
• No Basketball or any sort at admission
• Absolutely No Horseplay
• Absolutely No Running
• I will make an effort to participate and have a good time.
• Any Violation of these rules will follow in your immediate dismissal with no refund of entry fee.

All Rules Concerning Those Ages 19 and Under

• All pants must be worn at the natural waist. No undergarments, including thongs, will be visible.
• No clothing will be worn which signifies gang involvement, including solid color t-shirts.
• No chains shall be worn off any clothing item.
• Pajamas are not allowed
• Shoes are required
• No do-rags
• No Trench Coats
• No Worn Hoodies
• No book bags or backpacks are allowed inside.
• No clothing will be so short or tight fitting as to be suggestive or revealing. This includes shirts, skirts,     dresses, shorts, and pants.
• Clothing will not display any inappropriate or offensive pictures, slogans, or symbols
• Any violation of these rules will follow in your Immediate Dismissal with no refund of entry fee