About the SEAL Initiative
In 2017, the Wallace Foundation selected Denver as one of six cities to implement the Partnerships for Social Emotional Learning Initiative (PSELI), known as the SEAL Initiative. Through this partnership, the DAA and Denver Public Schools are working together to build the capacity of select day-schools and afterschool programs to integrate SEAL into their practices, staff structures and goals for youth. Research shows that children who participate in evidence-based SEAL programs, both in the classroom and after school, have improved SEAL skills and academic performance, and they are more likely to graduate from college, succeed in their careers, have positive work and family relationships, and better physical and mental health.
What We’re Learning
The DAA is using our takeaways from the SEAL Initiative to scale this work to all of our afterschool partners, helping them to cultivate culturally-inclusive, SEAL-rich environments that have the power to create a more equitable future for all Denver youth. By supporting youth and adults to build strong relationships, the DAA and youth-serving organizations are using SEAL as a lever for equity that prioritizes adult learning and reflection about their own social-emotional and cultural competencies, elevates students’ voices, and strengthens families and communities. Review the SEAL Initiative’s Year Three Status Report to learn more about the impact created during its third year of implementation.
Access SEAL Trainings & Resources
Because the DAA believes that SEAL is the foundation of program quality, we provide youth-serving programs and professionals with resources and supports to increase their SEAL skills and knowledge. Our goal is to set all youth providers up for success by having them participate in our introductory Relationships, Planning and Presence professional development series prior to working with young people. In addition, we provide a variety of SEAL tools and resources to help build and grow more emotionally-intelligent organizations. Learn more about the SEAL professional development opportunities and capacity building resources that are offered through the DAA Collective.
