SEL in Afterschool Day
Leading Education and Out-of-School Time Organizations Launch Inaugural SEL in Afterschool Day
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
We think our community has something to celebrate! To build awareness of the important intersection of social emotional learning (SEL) and afterschool, we created a milestone day that highlights the positive impact of SEL in afterschool programming. We see SEL in Afterschool Day – Tuesday, April 24, 2018 – as having served as a touchpoint for thought leaders, experts, and funders in this space to amplify our collective voice in support of SEL in afterschool and share best practices, success stories, and data.
Why SEL in Afterschool
We know SEL is a critical part of every child’s development. Likewise, afterschool and out-of-school time programming has a significant impact on students and provides young people with the opportunity to learn new things and build important skills through real-world experiences and engaging activities. When SEL and afterschool come together, amazing things can happen. Research tells us that students who regularly participate in high-quality afterschool programming with SEL elements report gains in social skills, behavior, empathy, and motivation–key social and emotional competencies that help them succeed in school, work, and life.
#SELinAfterschool
Initial metrics show the hashtag #SELinAfterschool was used more than 180 times on April 24th!
Thank You, Partners!
- Afterschool Alliance
- After-School All-Stars
- After School Matters
- American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF)
- Aperture Education
- Aspen Institute's National Commission on Social, Emotional, Academic Development
- Ballmer Group
- BELL
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America
- CASEL
- Children's Institute
- Forum for Youth Investment
- Girls Inc.
- Greater Rochester After-School Alliance (GRASA)
- Higher Achievement
- National Afterschool Association (NAA)
- Salud America
- Singing for Change
- Susan Crown Exchange
- Wallace Foundation
- Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality
- Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence
Official Press Release
Leading Education and Out-of-School Time Organizations Launch Inaugural SEL in Afterschool Day
Milestone Day Serves as Touchpoint for Funders, Experts, and Leaders to Amplify Support of Social and Emotional Learning in Afterschool
Charleston, S.C., April 24, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today marks the inaugural SEL in Afterschool Day, an opportunity for education organizations, practitioners, funders, and experts to celebrate social and emotional learning (SEL) and afterschool.
The milestone day, led by Wings for Kids, a nationwide afterschool program focused solely on SEL, serves as a touchpoint for thought leaders in the space to amplify their collective voice in support of SEL in afterschool.
More than 20 education organizations are joining WINGS in the effort, posting data, best practices, success stories, and graphics in support of SEL in afterschool on social media using the hashtag #SELinAfterschool. Partners include CASEL, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Afterschool Alliance, and the Aspen Institute’s National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development.
“We are proud to partner with so many organizations on this effort to celebrate and build awareness about the incredible opportunities for learning and growth that afterschool SEL programs provide,” said Bridget Laird, CEO of WINGS for Kids. “We see the power of afterschool SEL programming firsthand, and we are excited to join with these leaders to highlight this work with broader community.”
Research shows that when kids regularly participate in high-quality afterschool SEL programs, they have improved behavior, earn better grades and test scores, and feel a stronger attachment to school. Kids are also less likely to engage in bullying, aggressive behavior, and drug use.
“When SEL and afterschool come together, amazing things can happen,” said Laird. “We will continue to share our stories and successes showing the positive, lasting impact of SEL in afterschool. Together, we can help all kids develop the skills they need to succeed and thrive in life.”
To participate in SEL in Afterschool Day, download the SEL in Afterschool Day partner toolkit here.
To learn more about WINGS for Kids and the positive impact of SEL in afterschool, please visit their website.
About Wings for Kids
Wings for Kids is a nonprofit education program that teaches kids how to behave well, make good decisions, and build healthy relationships. The program weaves a comprehensive social and emotional learning curriculum into a fresh and fun afterschool program—specifically targeted toward supporting low-income, minority students. Kids get the life lessons they need to succeed and be happy, and a safe place to call home after the school day ends.
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