National University and National 4-H Council will integrate proven Harmony SEL program into afterschool and youth development programs nationwide
SAN DIEGO, CA (September 30, 2022) — National University, one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the United States serving more than 45,000 youth, today announced the launch of a new educational partnership that will bring its award-winning Harmony Social Emotional Learning (Harmony SEL) program to youth participating in in 4-H programs across the country.
“Study after study continues to show that youth who develop strong social emotional learning skills are more likely to thrive academically and also more likely to thrive in their personal and professional lives in the long term,” said Dr. Michael R. Cunningham, chancellor of the National University System. “The combination of the Harmony program’s proven social emotional learning activities with the reach and community impact of National 4-H will greatly expand access to positive learning environments and for our youth.”
Nationally, the iconic 4‑H program reaches almost six million young people each year in rural, urban, and suburban communities in every state across the nation. Young people participate in 4‑H through school and community clubs, in-school and after-school programs, and 4‑H camps, delivered by more than 3,500 4-H professionals and 500,000 volunteers.
The collaboration between National University and National Council will make it possible for 4-H educators to use the proven social emotional learning activities as part of their ongoing club programming and activities. Through the program, youth learn to develop and improve interpersonal skills in areas such as communication and cooperation.
“We are pleased to be partnering with 4-H to expand access to Harmony’s innovative social emotional learning approaches that have been demonstrated to support student achievement and that are creating a strong foundation for a healthier, more collaborative society,” said Scott Page, senior vice president of Harmony SEL at National University.
Developed and perfected by classroom teachers, the Harmony SEL program helps youth improve skills in areas such as conflict resolution. Harmony SEL is already in various stages of adoption nationwide reaching more than 13 million young people.
The partnership officially launched recently at the National 4-H Council Legacy Awards held in Washington, D.C., an annual event highlighting the impact 4-H has made in the lives of youth and alumni.
About National University: National University, a veteran-founded nonprofit, has been dedicated to meeting the needs of hard-working adults by providing accessible, affordable, achievable higher education opportunities since 1971. As San Diego’s largest private nonprofit university, NU offers over 75 online and on-campus programs and flexible four-week classes designed to help students reach their goals while balancing busy lives. Since its founding, the NU community has grown to over 25,000 students and 180,000 alumni around the globe, many of whom serve in helping industries such as business, education, health care, cybersecurity, and law and criminal justice. Learn more at NU.edu.
About Harmony SEL: Harmony SEL is an affiliate program of the National University System. These no-cost programs strive to ensure that every student feels part of a safe, supportive learning community and that every teacher and provider is equipped to create inclusive and engaging learning opportunities. By offering SEL skill development experiences across contexts through relationship-driven activities, Harmony helps young people build and sustain relationships, giving them tools to grow into compassionate and caring adults. Harmony has been recognized as a CASELect program by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). Learn more about Harmony at harmonysel.org and learn about Inspire at inspiresel.org.