What Is Social-Emotional Learning?

Helping Everyone Thrive

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing the self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and life success.

People with strong social-emotional skills are better able to cope with everyday challenges and benefit academically, professionally, and socially. From effective problem-solving to self-discipline, from impulse control to emotion management and more, SEL provides a foundation for positive, long-term effects on kids, adults, and communities.

Children thrive. Schools win. Workplaces benefit. Society strengthens. All due to social-emotional learning.

Success Stories

Thousands of schools around the world and more than 26.9 million children benefit from Second Step® programs each year.

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Skills That Matter, Across Cultures

Extensive research shows a correlation between the skills taught in SEL programs and academic achievement, positive behavior, and healthier life choices.


Research for SEL Is Key

Rigorous research is essential in developing our social-emotional learning curriculum.

The Empathy Effect

Committee for Children is on a mission to change the world. Our ambitious goal: positively transform the social-emotional well-being of 100 million children annually by 2028.

The Case for a Comprehensive Approach to Social-Emotional Learning​

Communities can strengthen children’s social-emotional skills by taking a holistic approach to social-emotional learning.

How Social-Emotional Learning Helps Children Succeed in School, the Workplace, and Life

Committee for Children gathers thought leaders’ views on why social and personal competencies are critical and will be even more necessary in the future.