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Who We Are
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We provide public schools with tools that boost performance through rigorous programs and a commitment to equity.
90 Broad Street, Suite 2101
New York, NY 10004
(212) 867-3060
Social-Emotional Learning
General Interest FormThe Urban Assembly Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Team brings expertise in social work, school psychology, counseling, teaching, and school leadership to support the phased implementation, integration and sustainability of high quality SEL programming to improve district wide, in school and out of school outcomes for students. Through tailored programming designed to meet the needs of each community, the SEL Team helps schools strengthen practices that support students’ social, emotional, and academic development.
SEL is the process through which children and adults develop the skills, attitudes, and values necessary to understand and manage life tasks such as cognitive learning, forming relationships, and the flexibility to adapt to challenges and expectations of complex society (Elias et al., 1997). Evidence suggests that students’ access to supportive learning environments is one of several cumulative opportunities associated with long-term educational attainment and earnings, particularly for students from low-income households (Dearing et al., 2024).
Resilient Scholars Program
The Urban Assembly Resilient Scholars Program (RSP) is a K-12 integrated social-emotional learning model. RSP uses a whole-school, three-year embedded model where schools learn how to organize themselves around the principles of social-emotional development.
RSP supports schools by developing the systems that help students build confidence, self-awareness, and the skills to navigate a wide range of social and emotional situations. The model consists of three core elements: coordination of schoolwide implementation, integration, and sustainability; direct instruction to students and assessment of student progress.
Message from the Director
What makes our SEL work unique is that we don't hand schools a program and walk away. We build systems, coach the adults who deliver it, and use real data to know what's working. And because every school's culture, staff, and students are different, we customize our approach to fit each school's specific needs rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all model.
– Dana Harnett, Director of SEL
Reaching 20,000+ students and teachers nationwide with SEL programming.
This year, 94% of our schools are on track to achieve a 20% increase in SEL implementation scores, 72% are improving students’ sense of belonging, and over half of schools are maintaining high-quality student-teacher interactions.
In a recent research study with Fordham University and Riverside Insights, UA high school students completed an assessment measuring workplace readiness skills. The findings show a strong connection between social-emotional development and career readiness:
84%
of UA students demonstrated well-developed SEL skills
85%
exhibited strong leadership abilities
81%
demonstrated high levels of collaboration
It has been beneficial to have consistent feedback and support from our program manager as we develop and grow our SEL programming. Urban Assembly has helped us identify practical ways to embed more streamlined SEL practices throughout our school community.Kayla Johnson, Community School Director, AFL
The program is amazing, and the coaching is incredibly supportive.Mario Hilaire, Teacher, SPA
Urban Assembly is grounded in research and best practices. Rather than offering vague ideas about SEL, they provided a robust framework that allowed us to strategically plan, monitor our progress, and achieve tangible growth across our community.Sandra Carlton, Principal, Hart Magnet Elementary
Our partnership with Urban Assembly helped us move from SEL theory to high-impact practice. Through evidence-based strategies and hands-on coaching, we have strengthened teacher-student relationships and helped students better manage emotions, navigate challenges, and remain focused on their academic goals.Diana Castillo, Principal, Grant Avenue Elementary School
