Built to Rise: Human‑Centered Social‑Emotional Learning for Youth
Trauma-Informed. Culturally Grounded. Liberatory.
What Built to Rise is
Built to Rise is a trauma-informed, culturally grounded, liberatory SEL curriculum designed for youth. It replaces traditional lectures with interactive dialogue, guided reflection, and real-world action to help young people navigate their world, build supportive relationships, and recognize their own strength to make values-aligned decisions.
Our Core Promise
We create spaces where youth feel seen, valued, and honored as whole humans, building the skills, agency, and self-trust needed to rise into their full potential.
Our Services
Why This Work Matters
Youth thrive when they can:
- See themselves clearly
- Feel affirmed
- Build resilience
- Understand their power
What Programming Includes
- Session 1: Welcome & Community Building
- Sessions2 -7: Six SEL Lessons (Identity → Relationships)
- Session 8: Closing & Celebration
What Makes Us Different
- Strengths-based
- Rooted in lived experience and real-world needs
- Cultural humility + Liberatory practice
What Our Community Says
“You helped me with my anxiety… I learned how to talk about it and ways to calm myself.”
– HS Student
“I appreciated that you didn’t talk down to me… these lessons gave me more confidence and motivation.”
– HS Student
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Built to Rise designed for?
Built to Rise is designed for middle and high school youth navigating the complexities of adolescence while carrying the wisdom, culture, and lived experiences that shape their identities. This curriculum centers young people whose voices are often overlooked, specifically providing an affirming space for:
- Youth from historically marginalized communities of youth of color
- Multilingual leaners
- LGBTQ+ youth
- Young people with disabilities
- Youth navigating community, environmental, or family stressors
How is the program structured and scheduled?
Built to Rise is an 8-session program designed with flexibility in mind. We collaborate directly with partnering schools and community organizations to determine the schedule and delivery model that best aligns with their calendar and the needs of their youth. Flexible Implementation Options:
- 8-Week Model: 1 session per week for 8 consecutive weeks
- 4-Week Model: 2 sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks
What is the investment for schools or organizations?
Because Built to Rise is currently in its pilot phase, there is no financial cost for participating schools and community organizations—your primary investment is time, space, and partnership. How programming is funded:
- Empowerment Product Sales: Revenue generated from our handmade empowerment products directly funds curriculum materials and facilitation.
- Community Contributions & Donations: Generous support from community sponsors covers operational costs to ensure youth can participate free of charge.
How do we engage and partner with families throughout the program?
We believe that true transformation happens when learning extends into the home. We partner with parents and caregivers throughout the entire process, from weekly reflections to celebrating milestones together.
- Conversation Starters: Low-pressure, meaningful questions to encourage open dialogue at home
- Accessible Activities: Simple, practical exercises designed to fit easily into busy family routines.
- Shared Reflection: Opportunities for parents and guardians to reflect on their own experiences, allowing families to grow and learn together alongside their child.
- Closing Celebration: Families are invited to join us for our final session, where we celebrate the youths growth and present them with their Certificates of Completion.
PARTNER WITH US AND LET’S BUILD SOMETHING POWERFUL FOR YOUTH TOGETHER!