Embedding SEL within the culture of the YMCA Metro Atlanta
Project Snapshot
In the spring of 2021, Wings for Kids and YMCA Metro Atlanta launched a collaborative partnership to provide more than 3,750 children with social emotional learning and real-world skills. Through strategic planning, professional development, and guided implementation, WINGS supported YMCA staff and youth leaders with the skills and knowledge to model and teach SEL with the youth they serve.
Building The Foundation
Setting the foundation is the first step in achieving comprehensive SEL implementation. The WINGS approach includes fostering a positive organizational culture, extensive training, integrating social emotional learning into all activities, and providing explicit curriculum to develop skills across the five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills. WINGS methods are rooted in rigorous external evaluation and complement other focus areas such as art, STEM, and Common Core.
A Proud Partnership
Uniting the YMCA’s rich history of positive community impact through healthy body, mind, and spirit with WINGS’ philosophy and program elements has opened the door to many more opportunities—for both children and adults—to build the skills vital for success in school, work, and life.
Objectives
Core Objectives
The collaborative effort between WINGS and YMCA Metro Atlanta focused on several key objectives:
Adult Development of Social-Emotional Skills: Professional learning series and workshops to empower YMCA staff with the social-emotional skills necessary to effectively support youth.
Fostering a "SET" Culture/Climate: Creating a culture that is supportive, engaging, and conducive to teaching (SET).
Comprehensive Scalable SEL Program: Developing a scalable SEL program that can be implemented across various age groups and settings.
Approach
To set the project up for success in Phase 1, our team worked collaboratively to:
- Coordinate meetings to introduce foundational frameworks and SEL concepts
- Assess culture and protocols
- Understand staff roles
Following this planning phase, partners within each organization developed a strategic organizational plan focused on enhancing SEL conceptual knowledge and skills. Meetings and workshops allowed the YMCA team to embrace SEL skills and how to model them.
In Phase 2, the focus shifted to the implementation of SEL-focused strategies. Successes and challenges during implementation were regularly communicated and evaluated. Sites were provided with ample resources to help make the execution of SEL initiatives smoother.
WINGS conducted on-site visits and provided staff with feedback, using assessment tools to measure progress. Strategy refinement and leadership support continued consistently throughout the second phase to promote alignment with project goals.
“WINGS is grateful to have partnerships with organizations like the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. It is clear that their Board, leadership, and collective staff are passionate about bringing critical life skills to the youth in their community.”- Nicole Lovecchio, Chief SEL Officer, Wings for Kids
What's Next
In the ongoing phase of the project, there is a concerted effort to refine the SEL implementation blueprint, catering to both After-School and summer camp staff focused on elementary-age students and Youth Development staff working with middle and high school students. This refinement process is dual-pronged, aiming to build skills within staff and their respective teams while also fostering skill development in students.
Through this ongoing collaboration, WINGS and the YMCA demonstrate a commitment to nurturing the holistic growth of youth, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and socially aware community.
Interested in learning more about Partner Projects? Fill out a Partner Project Inquiry Form.