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Nonprofit pitches social‑emotional learning programs to OPS board
Summary
Representatives from the Center for Holistic Development described three social‑emotional programs for students and asked the district to consider partnerships to deliver mentoring and SEL content in schools; no formal action was requested during the meeting.
Ben Wilson, representing the Center for Holistic Development, presented to the Omaha Public Schools board April 21 about three programs the nonprofit uses with fourth‑ through twelfth‑grade students: the Empower Project (a curriculum drawing on cognitive behavioral therapy ideas), Urban Youth BOLT (an Afrocentric leadership program based on Kwanzaa principles) and Real Talk (a social‑emotional learning curriculum).
Wilson said Empower Project teaches emotional regulation and problem‑solving skills adapted from CBT for non‑clinical classroom use. Urban Youth BOLT focuses on leadership and cultural knowledge for North Omaha youth; Real Talk covers self‑awareness, relationship building and responsible decision‑making through games, videos and discussion. "These skills help with emotional regulation, solving problems and addressing symptoms of depression or anxiety," Wilson told the board.
He asked whether the district would consider opportunities to use outside organizations for targeted supports such as one‑on‑one mentoring in in‑school suspension settings and to add capacity for SEL delivery. Wilson provided flyers and a brief data sheet on SEL outcomes and encouraged staff to contact the Center for Holistic Development for follow up.
Board members thanked the presenter and noted existing district SEL efforts. No formal district action was taken; Wilson's presentation was part of the public comment and community partner recognition portion of the agenda.
