Impact
Soul Shoppe reaches thousands of students each year, teaching life skills that can bridge our differences and change the way we resolve conflicts.
What does Soul Shoppe do?
We offer programs that meet students in their communities, weaving our tools and curriculum throughout a student’s whole day, from the playground to the classroom to their home. Check out the programs we offer for elementary schools HERE
We provide a consistent facilitator throughout the school year to deliver workshops, assemblies and classroom visits at the school.
Our facilitators go through an intensive training program where they learn how to model empathy and emotional self-management. Our programs are evaluated each year and revised to ensure relevance, making sure we constantly meet schools where they are, rising to their needs.
Why does it work?
Soul Shoppe’s curriculum is built on a foundation of research and interactive experience. Since 2001, Soul Shoppe has addressed critical social emotional learning (SEL) in elementary and middle schools.
SEL is the foundation of creating care for our students, a care that prevents absences, distraction while learning and disruptive or harmful behaviors.
According to Psychology Today, “Research has shown that emotional intelligence (EQ) predicts over 54% of the variation in success (relationships, effectiveness, health, quality of life). Additional data concludes that young people with high EQ earn higher grades, stay in school and make healthier choices.”
Down the road, the social return on investment for effective SEL programs can be upwards of 11:1, according to a 2015 Columbia University study and aggregate analysis. Another meta-analysis by CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) in 2011 showed that evidence-based SEL programs increase academic performance by 11%.
Social emotional learning and so-called “Non- Cognitive Learning” have a robust literature proving their importance and efficacy.
One in three children is bullied or harassed in school — and a vast majority of students, even those who haven’t been bullied themselves, have witnessed it in the halls or on the playground.
When a child is bullied or witnesses bullying, a cycle of fear and trauma is generated, making it difficult to focus and learn. As students fall behind academically, they lose confidence and feel inadequate–they become isolated.
Soul Shoppe brings connection to school communities, overcoming isolation through interactive workshops that introduce tools and language for emotional self-regulation, mindfulness, communication and conflict resolution.
Our whole school approach addresses the underlying causes of bullying, giving students the tools to name what they are feeling and ask for support. Our programs are designed to help students, teachers and parents EXPERIENCE empathy by addressing real problems in a way that changes how we interact with each other.
Learn more about the research behind our programs HERE.
In the 2023-2024 school year, Soul Shoppe:
- Reached over 30,000 students
- Delivered 237 workshops to 60+ schools across the U.S.
- Trained 17 schools in the Peacemaker Trainer Certification, training teachers to create and expand student-led Peacemaker programs where students help their peers navigate the Peace Path to resolve conflicts
Our schools report back that they see:
- A happier and friendlier culture
- Fewer conflicts during recess and class time
- Fewer students requiring disciplinary action
- Increased empathy and patience among both staff and students
Kids coming to my office has decreased dramatically! They’re able to solve their own problems with the help of the Peacemakers. It’s a huge improvement here — minor things are resolved before coming to the office.
— Nick Casey, Principal
Being a Peacemaker makes me confident because other students trust me. I use the “I Message” to solve my problems as well. It’s helped me express feelings. I feel like a responsible person; I feel like a teacher.
— Ben, 3rd Grade, Student Peacemaker
Interested in seeing these changes at your school? Click below.
