STEVEN LEE MATTHEWS
From Soldier to Champion to Nationally Recognized Curriculum Designer
Steven Lee Matthews, a Greensboro, North Carolina native, is a U.S. Army veteran, professional boxer, and nationally recognized curriculum designer who has redefined how boxing, education, and leadership development intersect. With a deep passion for empowering at-risk youth, Matthews has built Punch4Pounds Inc. into a leading evidence-based model for violence prevention, workforce development, and educational advancement.
Military Service & Boxing Career: The Foundation of Discipline
At 19 years old, Matthews served in the 2003 Iraqi Enduring Freedom War, earning the rank of Sergeant in the United States Army. His leadership, resilience, and commitment to service shaped his approach to mentorship, training, and community engagement.
Transitioning from military service, Matthews entered the professional boxing arena, earning the title “Welterweight People’s Champ.” His discipline, work ethic, and strategic mindset in the ring became the cornerstone of what would later evolve into a transformational youth program blending boxing with education and leadership training.
Educational Impact: Curriculum Designer & ESSA-Aligned Enrichment Leader
Recognizing that many young people lack access to structured mentorship and life-skills education, Matthews took his vision beyond the gym—designing an innovative curriculum that integrates Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), workforce readiness, and academic enrichment through boxing.
📌 Creator of the ESSA Curriculum – An 33 week instructional program that blends boxing fundamentals with character development, leadership training, and core academic subjects.
📌 ESSA-Approved Elective & Enrichment Program – Contracting with Learning Educational Agencies (LEAs), Matthews developed a school-based elective that is now being implemented during instructional time as an intervention and support system for students, parents, and educators.
📌 Data-Driven Success Model – By capturing key performance metrics on behavior improvement, student engagement, and academic achievement, Matthews is proving that boxing is more than a sport—it’s an educational tool that builds discipline, confidence, and leadership.
Public Safety & Workforce Development: Creating Real-World Pathways
Matthews has established Punch4Pounds Inc. as a trusted partner in public safety, juvenile justice reform, and workforce training. His work is bridging the gap between education and career readiness while reducing youth involvement in crime, gangs, and negative peer influences.
✅ Juvenile Justice of Guilford County – Providing structured intervention for justice-involved youth
✅ Greensboro Police Department Office of Community Engagement – Partnering to prevent youth violence
✅ City of Greensboro Department of Community Safety – Strengthening public safety through early intervention
✅ Guilford Work Next Gen – Placing youth in workforce development and employment pathways
By closing social determinants gaps and equipping youth with career-ready skills, Matthews ensures that young people transition from school to meaningful employment and economic mobility.
📊 Impact Metrics:
🔹 85% increase in high school graduation & post-secondary enrollment
🔹 Direct job placements through workforce partnerships
🔹 Youth transitioning from justice system involvement to stable employment
National Recognition & Media Features
Matthews’ innovative approach has been featured on the front page of YES! Weekly, and highlighted on WFMY News 2, FOX 8, and Channel 12 for his work in youth development, public safety, and workforce training.
🏆 2020 Community Service Award – Greensboro Club NANBPWC, Inc.
🏆 2021 Award of Excellence – BlackEmall
🏆 2022 Leadership Greensboro Service Award – Leadership Greensboro
🏆 2023 Community-Based Organization Recognition – City of Greensboro & Cities United
🏆 2023 Community Services Honoree – Huami Magazine
🏆 2024 National Initiative Participant – Strategies for Youth Neighborhood Centered (CDC Prevention Institute)
A Vision for National Expansion
Steven Lee Matthews continues to be a visionary leader, demonstrating that boxing, education, and mentorship are powerful tools for breaking cycles of poverty and violence. Through curriculum innovation, public safety advocacy, and workforce partnerships, Matthews is shaping the next generation of leaders, both inside and outside the ring.