What is Social Emotional Learning and How Does it Benefit Youth in NYC

Academic skills alone aren’t enough to prepare children to lead a productive, fulfilling adulthood.  

At Roads to Success (RTS), we aim to help shape children into responsible, caring, knowledgeable, and socially competent individuals so they can become contributing and positive family members, neighbors, citizens, and workers.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) serves as a means of developing the skills to recognize and manage one’s emotions, build positive relationships, feel empowered to make safe and responsible decisions for oneself, and handle challenges constructively. These skills are critical to success in school, work, and life.

What is Social Emotional Learning?

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning defines Social Emotional Learning (SEL) as “an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions” (CASEL, 2024)  

According to CASEL, investing in SEL programs provides an 11:1 return on investment. For every dollar invested, schools can save $11 on remedial and dropout prevention programs. (CASEL,2018)

How does Social Emotional Learning (SEL) benefit students in NYC?

Schools implementing SEL programs have reported increased attendance, academic achievement, and graduation rates and decreased suspensions and expulsions (CASEL, 2018). Of note, Public Prep Network, a district comprised of 5 schools in the Bronx, saw a 40% decrease in suspensions after implementing an effective SEL program.

A 2021 report by the Research Alliance for New York City Schools concluded that students who demonstrated growth in SEL, particularly Growth Mindset, Self-Regulation, and Academic Self-Efficacy, showed more growth in academic outcomes (NYU Steinhardt, 2023).

The report also found that improvements in Growth Mindset and Self-Regulation were associated with larger academic gains for students who live in more structurally disadvantaged neighborhoods and students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) (NYU Steinhardt, 2023).

Furthermore, Social Emotional Learning programs help students build social and emotional skills that allow them to develop stronger relationships with their peers and the school community, increasing feelings of belonging and inclusiveness in schools.

Finally, SEL programs act as a bolster for mental well-being. These programs have been found to reduce emotional distress (Durlack, et.al 2022) and enhance coping skills, emotion identification, and resilience, helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (CASEL, 2023).  

How RTS is using SEL programs to support NYC students

At Roads to Success, we are committed to the growth and development of young people in New York City. We currently offer two after-school programs that incorporate Social Emotional Learning.  

Our CREATE program for youth in grades Pre-K- 5 is designed to build community and explore exciting new activities while learning new SEL skills.

The EXPLORE program for youth in grades 6-8 brings positive mentors and a wide range of enrichment activities to the after-school space. Through project-based instruction and SEL activities, participants learn community orientation, develop positive academic behavior, and achieve measurable gains in SEL while beginning their exploration of college and career options.  

If you are a parent looking to boost your child’s social-emotional skills, we invite you to explore our programs at https://www.roadstosuccess.org/.

Conclusion

Social Emotional Learning programs in NYC have a protective effect against mental health challenges by empowering students with skills that help them cope during challenging times, develop stronger bonds with their community, and become socially adjusted and productive adults. A strong sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence affirms a strong sense of identity, especially for those within marginalized communities.