We all know youth need time, education, and practice to learn their ABC’s and 123’s. But they also need time, education, and practice to develop social and emotional skills. These skills, which are also sometimes referred to as ‘life skills,’ include managing emotions, solving problems, making decisions, and setting goals.

The process of developing these skills is often referred to as “social-emotional learning” or SEL for short. Social-emotional learning goes hand in hand with academic instruction to provide a full and well-rounded learning experience for youth.

Fundamental to SEL is caring, supportive relationships with adults and peers. Within an environment where young people feel engaged, motivated, and a sense of belonging, they build these important skills that pave the way for their current and future success.

Research shows that social and emotional skills are essential to success in academics, community involvement, and ultimately, the workforce.  Learning key SEL skills is linked to other positive outcomes, such as academic achievement and avoidance of risky behavior, even into adulthood (Taylor, et. al, 2017; Jones, Greenberg, & Crowley,  2015). As a result of these long-term outcomes, programs focused on SEL have been found to deliver a return of $11 for every $1 invested (Belfield, et.al, 2015).

Wyman is focused on making sure all young people have the right supports in place to foster SEL skills that are so fundamental to learning, work, and life.

Each Wyman program carries out a unique set of activities to support youth in SEL. The Teen Outreach Program® (TOP®) uses a facilitated curriculum and community service projects, with lessons focused on skills like emotion management and problem solving. The Teen Connection Project™ (TCP™) uses facilitated curriculum lessons focused specifically on creating positive social connections. Wyman Leaders is a multi-year program that provides youth with ongoing 1:1 support and peer group experiences, including a residential camp stay.

All Wyman programs are built upon the same foundation: the strong relationships that young people develop with caring, responsive, and knowledgeable adults; a critical driver of SEL. Through these relationships, and the engaging and empowering program environments, youth are supported to build social-emotional skills, develop a positive sense of self, and make connections to others and their world.