Asset Building Champions (ABC) are parent engagement programs that foster the development of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for elementary school youth. There are two ABC programs: one for kindergarteners and another for elementary grades.

Volunteers are trained in the Developmental Assets model for positive youth development, and prepared to read a specially selected children’s book and lead related activities and discussions in classrooms each month. The program’s goal is to help school communities achieve the following:

  • Create a common language and vocabulary about student respect and behavior expectations among all members of the school community — students, parents and caregivers, teachers and staff.
  • Help students develop skills to handle physical, verbal, relational and digital bullying and to be UPstanders if they see someone else being bullied.
  • Focus on the development of Social and Emotional (SEL) skills (e.g., self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills).
  • Increase the number of caring adults on campus so that all students feel that there is at least one adult they can turn to if they have a problem.
  • Contribute to a positive school climate where every student feels valued and supported to achieve and thrive.

The following documents provide an overview of the ABC program.