The United States is facing a mental health crisis. According to the National Education Association, more and more students and educators are reporting anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, and other mental illnesses.  When students are not well, they cannot learn. When teachers are not well, they cannot teach. To support the academic success of our students and the professional success of our educators, we must provide them with avenues to strengthen their social-emotional well-being. Yoga is an activity that has proven to help students and educators alike to regulate their emotions, hone concentration, attention, and memory, reduce anxiety and tension, build resilience, decrease negative behaviors, improve physical, mental, and overall well-being, and enhance the culture in buildings offering yoga (greatergood.berkeley.edu). 

The Yoga for Social Emotional Learning Grant (SEL), in partnership with The United Way of Central Maryland and Breathe for Change, will bring Mindfulness, SEL, and Yoga techniques to schools and communities across Baltimore County by training staff to become Yoga Instructors and SEL Facilitators. 

The SY24.25 Yoga for SEL Grant Timeline

• Application Window Opens: June 1, 2024 
• Optional Information Session: June 12, 2024 | 5:30-6:30 PM | View the recording here.
• Application Window Closes: September 6, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
• Committee Review: September 9, 2024 through September 20, 2024
• Grant Recipient Notification: September 25, 2024
• Yoga for SEL Grant Orientation for Recipients: October 9, 2024 | 5:30-7:00 p.m. | the Exchangeree Rosedale/Golden Ring
• Web site Updated and Media Release: September 30, 2024
• Project Summary Submission to The Education Foundation of BCPS: May 23, 2025
• Submission of Recipient Grant Survey: May 23, 2025