Bright Kids brings yoga, mindfulness, and well-being skills to students and staff in public school districts in Northeastern PA, and beyond. Through developmentally appropriate, non-religious practices such as breathing methods, healthy movement, mindful awareness, and social emotional skill building, we empower youth to increase their capacity for physical health, focus, self-control, finding calm, positive decision making, and connecting with others. 

Our playful approach is supported by neuroscience and evidence-based research. Utilizing the personal resources of mind, body, breath, and community, students learn to tune into their inner experience, understand their own and others’ emotions, and find tools for making positive changes. Delivering programs in the school setting ensures that ALL students have the opportunity to develop these lifelong skills, and contributes to a culture of well-being. 

Our curricula have been honed, since 2017, in partnership with classroom teachers, counselors, and administrators, and place a strong emphasis on supporting social emotional (SEL) skills and mitigating negative effects of stress and trauma to set students up for successful learning. Academic instruction which integrates education around personal and community well-being fosters a safe and vibrant learning community, leading to better student outcomes (CASEL, 2021). The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2022 Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health highlights the critical need for practical tools and dedicated time to support mental health, particularly during the pandemic. 

In addition to schools, we collaborate with the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance’s SHINE after school program (since 2020), and Penn State Extension’s PROSPER program for families (since 2021). Bright Kids instructors presented at the 2022 NAMI PA Youth Mental Health Conference, and led sessions during a two-week virtual camp for Pennsylvania youth affected by homelessness, offered through the American Rescue Plan – Homeless Children and Youth Program.