Co-designing SEL Lessons with Youth, Student Internship

Team fundraiser

Karima Wilson and 3 others are organizing this fundraiser.

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Imagine a world where students are not just passive recipients of education but active participants in shaping their learning environments. At Forged Ed, we envision a world where students are equipped with the tools they need for both academic success and emotional resilience. To turn this vision into reality, we need your support to develop a curriculum that is as dynamic and powerful as the students it will serve.

The Urgent Need

Today’s students face unprecedented challenges that require more than traditional academics; they need robust social and emotional skills to thrive. However, many traditional SEL curriculum options don’t work, because they aren’t engaging, don’t reflect the real-world experiences of our communities, or refuse to acknowledge obstacles like barriers caused by racism, leaving our students underprepared to navigate their lives.

Our Work

Forged Ed believes that every child deserves to attend a school where they are supported, challenged and affirmed. We help educators build those schools through a wide array of services including coaching, professional development and consulting. Our work is grounded in our wealth of knowledge as former educators and adapted to fit the particular context and needs of our schools and partner organizations.

We are now working to pilot a culturally relevant, identity-affirming Social Emotional Learning, or SEL, curriculum that centers the experiences of communities of color, helps students build their sense of self and develops the habits and mindsets that needed to accomplish their dreams and be members of the larger community.

Our Why

At the heart of our mission is the belief that education should empower students to thrive not just academically, but also emotionally and socially. We understand that today's youth face unprecedented challenges, from mental health issues to social pressures, and we are committed to equipping them with the tools they need to navigate these complexities. Our passion drives us to create an educational environment that nurtures the whole child, preparing them for a successful, fulfilling life.

SEL Is…

Social and Emotional Learning is a critical component of education that helps students develop essential life skills such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. These skills are crucial for academic success, mental health, and overall well-being. However, traditional education systems often overlook SEL, leaving students ill-equipped to handle stress, build healthy relationships, and make positive choices.

A Collaborative Design Process

We are embarking on a groundbreaking project to create a comprehensive Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum that is co-written with young people. This curriculum will be designed to address the real-life challenges that students face every day, fostering a supportive and nurturing learning environment. By involving young people in the creation process, we ensure that the curriculum is relevant, engaging, and impactful.

Why Student Interns?

Involving student interns in the development of the SEL curriculum is a key component of our approach for several reasons:

Authentic Perspectives: Students provide firsthand insights into the challenges and experiences of their peers. Their involvement ensures that the curriculum is relevant, relatable, and addresses the real issues they face.
Empowerment and Ownership: By engaging students in the creation process, we empower them to take ownership of their education. This involvement fosters a sense of pride and accountability, motivating them to advocate for their learning needs.
Skill Development: Student interns gain valuable skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and project management. These experiences not only enhance their resumes but also prepare them for future professional opportunities.
Innovation and Creativity: Young people bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions. Their creativity can lead to more engaging and effective teaching strategies that resonate with their peers.
Building Future Leaders: Involving students in meaningful projects helps develop leadership skills and instills a sense of social responsibility. They learn the importance of contributing to their community and the impact they can make.

Our Plan

With your support, we aim to bring together a diverse group of young people to work with experienced educators and SEL experts. During the upcoming school year, our student interns will participate in design thinking workshops, lead planning and review sessions, and provide feedback in focus groups in order to co-create better, more engaging SEL lessons. They will be compensated for their time and contributions, recognizing their valuable role in this project.

Your contributions will directly fund the following:

Student Stipends: Providing fair compensation for the young people who will be dedicating their time and effort to co-write the curriculum.
Program Materials: Any materials needed throughout the programming, including access to technology if needed.
Meals & Snacks: Any food for longer in-person workshops.
Development Workshops: Sessions that bring students and educational experts together to craft the curriculum.

Impact of Your Support

By investing in our campaign, you're not just funding a program; you're investing in a future where education is empowering, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse society we live in. Your support helps build a foundation for students to succeed and lead in all aspects of their lives.

Join Us on This Journey

We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey. Together, we can create a brighter future for our young people by providing them with the tools they need to thrive. Your support will make a lasting impact on the lives of countless students, helping them to become confident, compassionate, and capable individuals.

Thank you for considering our campaign. With your help, we can build a SEL curriculum that truly makes a difference. Let's empower our youth and create a legacy of learning and growth.

Support our campaign today and be a part of building a better tomorrow!

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