About Us
What is the Common Sense Culture Program?​
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When you sit down and talk with teens, a powerful truth emerges: most of them want the same core things in life—success, respect, health, wealth, and meaningful relationships. What sets them apart isn’t their dreams—it’s their understanding of how to reach them.
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In today’s culture, the foundational values that once guided young people—delayed gratification, mutual respect, integrity, perseverance, work ethic, and self-control—are no longer promoted as “common sense.” Instead, popular culture often paints shortcuts, impulse, and instant gratification as the norm.
At Common Sense Culture, we believe that while it’s essential to encourage students to dream big and set goals, we must also equip them with the habits and character traits that will carry those dreams into reality. After all, students don’t just choose their futures—they choose the habits that form their futures.
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Our Approach
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Through engaging, interactive, and age-appropriate instruction, CSC classes teach students:
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How to build healthy habits
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The power of character-based decision making
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The role of relationships in long-term success
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Practical tools to resist cultural pressures and navigate life with confidence
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Character is not assumed. It’s taught, modeled, and reinforced—because in the end, common sense isn’t so common anymore.
Why It Matters
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There are countless paths a student can take to achieve their goals, but not all of them lead to the same destination. Research shows that the teens who thrive are the ones who have the best guides—parents, teachers, mentors, coaches—people who do more than just share options. Great guides help evaluate risks, provide wisdom, build skills, and point to the best route forward.That’s what we strive to do in every Common Sense Culture class. We don’t just tell students what to avoid—we teach them what to pursue. Our goal is to help students make decisions that make sense, not just in the moment, but for the futures they envision.
What We Do
Meet the Director
Matt Hazelwood, SRAS*
Matt Hazelwood is a devoted son, husband, and father of four, as well as a national speaker and youth development consultant. As Director of the Common Sense Culture Program—one of the most sought-after in-school risk avoidance initiatives in Central Ohio—Matt brings clarity, connection, and purpose to the lives of students and educators alike.
He is also the Founder and CEO of REACHYouth LLC, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between parents and policy, and guiding students toward their purpose. Through REACHYouth and his school-based work, Matt collaborates with public officials, school boards, and families as a trusted advocate for youth-centered policy and meaningful educational reform.
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Over the past decade, Matt has impacted thousands of young people by teaching foundational life skills that foster healthy, lasting relationships. Known for his relatable and high-energy approach, he has a unique ability to engage, equip, and inspire the next generation.
A proud Columbus native, Matt shares life with his high school sweetheart and wife of 14 years, Jasmine, and their four children. Whether he’s in a classroom, on a stage, or around the dinner table, Matt leads with integrity, passion, and a deep commitment to seeing young people thrive.