EVOLVE
History/Background
Youth Guidance’s Evolve program is a social-emotional learning (SEL) program designed to cultivate a district-wide culture of support and trauma-informed engagement by delivering training and resources to school-based staff to implement the most effective components of the organization’s most renowned programs – Becoming a Man (BAM) & Working on Womanhood (WOW).
The Evolve program model creates the space for youth to thrive in a school ecosystem of supportive, emotionally attuned and culturally competent adults.
The Evolve Model addresses this urgency by bridging the therapeutic principles used to support youth growth and development in a mixed-gendered environment, with relatable engagement formats delivered by trusted school leaders, professional development opportunities, unlimited access to the Evolve Curriculum and youth engagement resources through Evolve Central.
The urgency to create trauma-informed school culture increased as a result of the COVID-19 quarantine.
87% of public schools reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted student’s social-emotional development (NCES, 2022).
The Evolve Model addresses this urgency by bridging the therapeutic principles used to support youth growth and development in a mixed-gendered environment, with relatable engagement formats delivered by trusted school leaders, professional development opportunities, unlimited access to the Evolve Curriculum and youth engagement resources through Evolve Central.
EVOLVE is built on over a decade of program experience within Youth Guidance’s highly successful evidence-based programs. Designed for national implementation, EVOLVE provides training and resources for educators to lead small group “EVOLVE Circles,” which foster authentic connections and teach key life skills.
A 2023 report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that 42% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the past year. EVOLVE addresses this crisis by offering schools the resources to create safe spaces for students to develop essential life skills, while equipping educators with the tools to integrate these practices into their daily routines.
The program offers:
- Student-centered training for educators to facilitate effectively.
- Professional development to promote student well-being, academic growth, and educator wellness.
- Access to EVOLVE(ed), an online learning community offering ongoing coaching and resources.
- An evidence-informed curriculum covering self-awareness, decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness.
EVOLVE CORE VALUES
EMPOWERMENT
I speak up and take action for the things I care about. I know that I can grow and change.
JOY
I seek and create opportunities for joy in my life. Everyone has the right to experience happiness.
BELONGING
I feel connected, seen and valued at my school and want to help others to feel the same.
SELF-COMPASSION AND EMPATHY
I am kind to myself even when I make a mistake or fall short of my goals. Because I care for myself, I can really care for others.
IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT
I value myself for all of who I am and who I am becoming.
EVOLVE AT-A-GLANCE
seen, and valued at my school
for who I am and be kind to myself
to a friend
EVOLVE PROVIDES SCHOOL-WIDE TRAINING ON THE EFFECTIVE COMPONENTS OF BAM & WOW
Becoming A Man® program (BAM®) is a school-based group counseling program that guides young men in 7-12th grades to learn, internalize and practice social cognitive skills, make responsible decisions for their future and become positive members of their school and community.
BAM integrates clinical theory and practice, men’s rites of passage work, and a dynamic approach to youth engagement.
Working On Womanhood (WOW) is a multifaceted, school year-long group counseling and clinical mentoring program.
WOW works to improve social-emotional competencies for girls in 7th-12th grade exposed to traumatic stressors in high risk and under-resourced communities.
Using a trauma-Informed approach, WOW targets young women with significant risk factors for dropout or delinquency such as: teenage pregnancy, trauma, drug or alcohol abuse, self-harm, gang involvement, fighting, academic failure and discipline referrals.
STAFF & YOUTH THRIVE WITHIN THE EVOLVE ECOSYSTEM
STAFF
YOUTH
WHERE WE ARE
Today’s youth face many obstacles. Community violence and other stressors create at-risk environments where making positive life choices can feel impossible. It’s easy for young men, particularly from disadvantaged communities, to become angry and afraid. It’s easy for them to follow negative influences that lead to serious trouble. It’s easy for them to drop out of school.
In 2001, the Becoming A Man (BAM) program was launched in Chicago to help young men navigate difficult circumstances that threaten their future. Program founder Anthony Ramirez-Di Vittorio created a safe space for young men at Clemente High School to openly express themselves, receive support and develop the social and emotional skills necessary to succeed. Now in its 19th year, the BAM program serves more than 8,000 youth in 140 schools.
BAM Boston is made possible through a wonderful partnership with Boston Public Schools (BPS) and with philanthropic support from Strategic Grant Partners (SGP), The GreenLight Fund and The Boston Foundation.
To ensure sustainability, a BAM Boston Advisory Council has also been implemented. Each council member has a strong desire be actively involved in solving the issues inner-city youth face, and will devote their time, talent and expertise to the current and future work of the Boston program.