Building Capacity
From the Nervous System Up
Transforming schools, organizations, and communities through the Forward SELF Series™—where social-emotional learning meets financial literacy
Supporting Student Success
From the Nervous System Up
Improve retention, support first-generation students, and build financial wellness across your campus with Forward SELF™
The Challenges Facing Higher Ed
Financial stress is one of the top reasons students leave college
Retention Challenges
Students leave before completing degrees due to financial stress and lack of support systems
First-Gen Student Barriers
First-generation students navigate college without family guidance on academic or financial systems
Financial Stress
Students struggle with debt, budgeting, and financial decisions that impact academic performance
Career Readiness Gaps
Graduates lack practical financial skills needed for post-college life and career success
What Is Forward SELF™?
Forward SELF™ (Social Emotional Learning + Finance) is a 12-module trauma-informed framework that teaches college students to regulate their nervous systems before making life and money decisions. From the nervous system up, we help students shift from reactive survival patterns to regulated, values-aligned action—supporting retention, wellbeing, and career readiness.
For Higher Education, This Means:
First-generation students who can navigate financial aid, debt, and financial stress without shame or overwhelm
All students who understand their stress responses and have regulation tools before financial decisions become crises
Student affairs professionals who can support students experiencing financial distress without burning out
Career services that prepare students for financial realities post-graduation with nervous system awareness
Building Capacity From Day One
Forward SELF™ helps students understand how financial stress impacts their nervous system and academic performance—then gives them tools to regulate, plan, and thrive.
First-Year Experience Integration
Embed Forward SELF™ into orientation, first-year seminars, or student success courses
Peer Educator Training
Train student leaders to facilitate workshops and support their peers
Career Services Partnership
Prepare graduating students for financial transitions and career decisions
Impact on Student Success
Institutions implementing Forward SELF™ see measurable improvements
Improved Retention
Students stay enrolled when financial stress is addressed
First-Gen Success
First-generation students report feeling more supported and confident
Career Readiness
Graduates feel prepared to manage post-college financial transitions
Supporting Faculty & Staff
Advisors, faculty, and student affairs professionals need tools to support students experiencing financial trauma
Trauma-Informed Advising
Train advisors to recognize signs of financial trauma and respond with compassion and practical resources
Faculty Development
Help faculty understand how financial stress impacts learning and create supportive classroom environments
Student Affairs Training
Equip residence life, counseling, and wellness staff with nervous system-informed approaches
Staff Wellness
Address compassion fatigue and secondary trauma among staff who support struggling students
Investment & Partnership Options
Forward SELF™ higher education partnerships are designed to meet institutions where they are—from pilot programs to campus-wide implementation.
Delivery Models:
Student Cohorts
6, 8, or 12-session implementations (90-120 minutes per session)
Drop-In Workshops
One-off introductions or topic-specific sessions
Professional Development
Staff training for advisors, counselors, and student affairs professionals
Credit-Bearing Course
Partner with academic departments to offer Forward SELF™ for credit
Typical Investment:
Student Cohort (6-session): Starting at $5,000 for one cohort (15-25 students)
Student Cohort (12-session): Starting at $8,500 for one cohort
Professional Development: Starting at $2,200 for half-day workshop (up to 40 staff)
Campus-Wide Implementation: Custom pricing based on student population, delivery model, and partnership scope
Sliding scale available for community colleges, minority-serving institutions, and schools with high percentages of Pell-eligible students.
Curriculum Licensing: Build long-term internal capacity with licensed curriculum and Train-the-Trainer certification. Available for institutions committed to sustained implementation (3+ years). Inquire about eligibility and investment.
Ready to Support Student Success?
Let's explore how Forward SELF™ can improve retention, support first-gen students, and build financial wellness across your campus.