Everyone knows that education is important, but do we unintentionally undervalue the importance of social emotional learning (SEL). In the last four years American society has seen the negative effects of a deficit in interpersonal social emotional relationship skills. SEL helps youth identify their feelings, understand and communicate with others, build strong relationships, and make good, empathetic decisions. But who is going to complete this vital education? After school programs!

After school programs are the best location for SEL to occur, according to the 2022 report from The Harvard Graduate School of Education. After reviewing in-school programs and out-of-school programs for youth 11-18 years old, the researchers concluded “OST (out of school programs) settings are uniquely suited for promoting SEL.” 

With a safe environment and increase in program flexibility, after school programs offer the ideal setting to develop meaningful relationships. The most effective programs utilize an intentional SEL curriculum, according to a meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Community Psychology. In their research the most meaningful actions an after school program can make are to ensure education is interactive, focused, coordinated in its curriculum and be specific about the skills being taught. Be intentional, not accidental. In these quality programs there was a statistical improvement in youth’s perception of self and positive social behaviors, along with a decline in problematic social behaviors.

The Banyan Difference

Banyan’s GROW Expectation Matrix

Programs that lacked intentional focus did not see the same gains. This comes as no surprise to the educators at Banyan Community. That’s why Banyan’s after school program is firmly rooted in the evidence-based framework of The Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. These principles are woven into every aspect of Banyan’s work and are tailored to fit the needs of Banyan youth through our GROW values.

Social Emotional Lesson on Friendship

Banners displaying these values are placed throughout the building, serving as the first step in reinforcing Banyan’s intentional approach. The second layer is classroom activities that reenforce education with action. This could be a team building game, a worksheet about friendship, or the creation of a community voice definition of empathy. This year Banyan Community is adding a third layer of professional assistance through Family Partnership. The Family Partnership recently opened an office in the Banyan service area. Thier commitment to building strong families, vital communities, and better futures for children, there is great alignment between the two organizations.

By giving to Banyan, you can be assured that strategic effort is being made to heal traumas, address systemic stressors, and promote social emotional awareness in conjunction with educational support within our holistic approach.