The issue
Investing in Social and Emotional Learning: Building Foundations for Future Flourishing
Numerous studies underscore the vital importance of nurturing young children’s social and emotional competencies—such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, and effective communication. These foundational skills are proven to not only bolster children’s mental well-being but also significantly elevate their academic performance, economic prospects, and capacity for inclusive, constructive societies.
Stronger Academics, Stronger Futures
Meta-analyses involving over 270,000 students show that K–12 participants in SEL programs outperform peers by an average of 11 percentile points on academic measures like test scores and grades.
In long-term follow-ups, students who engaged in SEL interventions scored 13 points higher academically, even 3.5 years later.
These gains often translate into better graduation rates—SEL participants had approximately 6% higher high school graduation rates, alongside reduced behavioral issues and emotional distress.
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Enhanced Well-Being & School Climate
SEL fosters vital emotional and social capabilities that promote resilience, reduce anxiety and bullying, and support a healthier school climate. Principals report that SEL improves student engagement, relationships, school safety, and lowers absenteeism—particularly in schools serving low-income communities.
A Compelling Economic Return
Economic analyses reveal that every dollar invested in SEL yields an average of $11 in societal benefits—through improved education, enhanced mental and physical health, stronger workforce readiness, and reduced crime. Moreover, a staggering 79% of employers consider social-emotional skills among the most critical traits for job success.
Why Investing in SEL Matters
We are at a pivotal moment: investing in SEL is a high-impact, evidence-based strategy. By integrating SEL widely—from early childhood through adolescence—we can cultivate self-aware, emotionally resilient learners, who go on to become engaged, creative, and empathetic problem-solvers. In this way, SEL isn’t just education—it’s an investment in more equitable, adaptive, and inclusive communities.
Our strategy
Our vision is for all children to be prepared to confront complex challenges head-on, in line with their aspirations, capabilities and needs. Here is our three-pronged strategy to contribute to this vision:
Transmitting soft skills at scale in various settings
We support a range of organisations with clear social and emotional learning outcomes for children, intervening in early years settings, in schools or in extracurricular settings
Supporting the professional community around the child
We scale comprehensive training programmes for professionals that surround the children such as teachers, nursery staff and headteachers, so they can adopt the right posture and ensure a positive surrounding environment
Sharing best-practices
We encourage the production and dissemination of quality research, evidence and best practices on social and emotional learning, and aim to influence policy and decision-makers through coalition efforts and advocacy