Building Capacity
From the Nervous System Up
Transforming schools, organizations, and communities through the Forward SELF Series™—where social-emotional learning meets financial literacy
Building Student Capacity
From the Nervous System Up
Transform your school culture with Forward SELF™—reducing behavioral incidents, supporting staff wellbeing, and strengthening family partnerships through trauma-informed practices
The Challenges You're Facing
We understand the complex pressures on today's schools
Student Dysregulation
Students struggle with emotional regulation, leading to classroom disruptions and disciplinary issues
Staff Burnout
Teachers and staff experience compassion fatigue and secondary trauma without adequate support
Family Engagement Gaps
Families face financial stress and lack resources to support student success at home
Achievement Gaps
Persistent disparities in academic outcomes tied to unaddressed trauma and financial instability
What Is Forward SELF™?
Forward SELF™ (Social Emotional Learning + Finance) is a 12-module trauma-informed framework that teaches students, staff, and families to regulate their nervous systems before making life and money decisions. From the nervous system up, we help school communities shift from reactive survival patterns to regulated, values-aligned action.
For K-12 Schools, This Means:
Students who can recognize and regulate stress responses before they escalate into behavioral incidents
Staff who understand their own nervous system patterns and can co-regulate with dysregulated students without burning out
Families who gain financial wellness tools that reduce household stress and strengthen engagement with school
How Forward SELF™ Transforms Schools
We don't just teach students about emotions—we help them understand their nervous system responses and build regulation skills from the ground up.
Awareness: Helping students recognize their emotional and physical responses
Context: Understanding how trauma and systemic factors impact learning
Values: Aligning behavior with personal and community values
Tools: Building practical regulation and coping strategies
Relationships: Strengthening peer connections and healthy boundaries
Resilience: Developing capacity to navigate challenges
Measurable Results
Schools implementing Forward SELF™ see real, lasting change
Reduction in Suspensions
Students learn to recognize and regulate stress responses
Improved Staff Wellbeing
Teachers report feeling more equipped to handle challenging behaviors
Increased Family Engagement
Parents participate in financial wellness workshops and school events
Supporting Your Staff
Teachers can't pour from an empty cup. Our professional development helps staff understand their own nervous system responses to secondary trauma and build sustainable self-care practices.
Staff Professional Development Includes:
- Trauma-informed classroom management strategies
- Personal nervous system regulation tools
- Compassion fatigue prevention
- Culturally responsive practice frameworks
Engaging Families in Financial Wellness
When families have financial stability, students thrive. We offer workshops that help parents address financial stress and build wealth-building practices.
Parent Workshops
Evening and weekend sessions on budgeting, credit, and financial goal-setting
Family Resources
Take-home materials and online resources families can use together
Community Partnerships
Connections to local financial counseling and support services
Investment & Partnership Options
Forward SELF™ school partnerships are designed to be sustainable, scalable, and equitable. We work with districts and schools of all sizes and budgets to create meaningful impact.
Delivery Models:
Workshop Series
6, 8, or 12-session implementations (90-120 minutes per session)
Professional Development
Half-day or full-day staff training
Family Engagement
Evening or weekend workshops for parents/caregivers
Pilot Programs
Test Forward SELF™ with 1-2 classrooms or grade levels before full implementation
Typical Investment:
Student Programming: Starting at $4,500 for 6-session implementation with one cohort (15-25 students)
Staff Professional Development: Starting at $1,800 for half-day workshop (up to 30 staff)
Family Engagement: Starting at $1,200 for 2-hour evening workshop
Full School Implementation: Custom pricing based on grade levels, cohort size, and delivery model
We believe in equitable access. Sliding scale options and payment plans are available for Title I schools, districts demonstrating financial need, and schools serving historically marginalized communities.
Curriculum Licensing: Interested in building internal capacity? Licensed curriculum materials and Train-the-Trainer certification available for strategic partners committed to long-term implementation (3+ years). Inquire about eligibility and investment.
Ready to Transform Your School?
Let's discuss how Forward SELF™ can address your school's unique challenges and create lasting change for students, staff, and families.