Programs Change the Narrative
Grades K–12
Change the Narrative
Our main school-day program. Students get social-emotional learning, restorative justice, mentorship and college and career readiness on their own campus, all year long.
- Who
- Students in grades K–12
- Where
- On campus at partner schools
- When
- The school day, all year, plus after-school workshops
- How
- Tier 1–3 support: groups, focus groups and one-on-one
Overview
Change the Narrative supports students academically, socially and emotionally. Through mentorship, guidance and real-world exposure, students recognize their voice, potential and purpose, and build the confidence and resilience to lead.
Our approach is culturally responsive and trauma-informed. It disrupts negative pathways and helps students rewrite their own stories, so they feel seen, heard and supported at school, in their communities and in life.
We use healing-centered engagement, drawing on Shawn Ginwright’s Radical Healing Framework and CARMA Model, to help students recognize their strengths, build collective care and develop a sense of purpose and agency.
Social-emotional learning
Support at the level each student needs
Every participating student gets foundational support. Students who need more get it.
Tier 1: Universal
Group workshops and skill-building sessions for all participating students on confidence, emotional regulation and healthy relationships.
Tier 2: Targeted
Small groups and 6–8 week focus groups, such as Boys to Men and Hot Girl Healing, where students talk through growth, relationships and life challenges.
Tier 3: Intensive
Individual intervention with 4-week progress packets (10 weeks for students who need more), tracking academic or behavior goals with mentor check-ins.
After-school workshops
Our “We Da PPL” curriculum: Mindfulness Monday for stress and emotional regulation, and Workshop Wednesday for identity, communication and life skills.
Restorative justice
Repairing harm instead of only punishing it
Our restorative model builds a school culture where students take responsibility, repair harm and rebuild trust.
- 1
Community building
Proactive
Restorative circles and guided discussions build trust, empathy and respect between students and staff, so conflicts are less likely to start.
- 2
Intervention
When conflict happens
Restorative conversations help students reflect on what happened, understand its impact and work out how to make it right.
- 3
Re-entry
Restoring trust
Students coming back after a conflict or discipline get support to rebuild trust with peers and staff and plan how to avoid future incidents.
College and career readiness
Graduating with a plan
Students explore college, trade school and careers, and get hands-on help with each step.
Exposure for everyone
Workshops on college pathways, career fields and goal setting, plus college campus visits so students can picture themselves there.
Hands-on preparation
Help with college applications, financial aid forms and scholarship searches, plus SAT and ACT prep.
Career exploration
Mentoring and small-group guidance to find career paths that match each student’s interests and strengths.
Junior Recreation Leaders
Student leadership
Students lead on their own campus and get ready for the working world.
Campus leadership
Students plan social events that build a healthy campus climate, and learn to raise issues with administrators so their voices are heard.
Job readiness
Resume writing, interview prep and job training, plus guest speakers who lead in their careers.
Life skills
Working on a team, handling stress at work, networking, budgeting and investing, and how to start a business.
Community service
Students earn community service hours they can use on college applications.
Bring Change the Narrative to your school
We work with school and district leaders to fit the program to your campus.
More programs
Explore our other programs
After School Program
Homework help, SEL workshops and team-building in a safe space after the bell.
Learn more →
Restoring Hope
Healing-centered violence prevention with mentorship, school reconnection and job readiness.
Learn more →
R.I.S.E. Conference
A full-day conference at your school with a keynote speaker, rotating workshops and giveaways, built around your school’s needs.
Learn more →
Restore the Village
A family-led program in four steps: get to know your family, map your support network, set a goal together and follow up.
Learn more →
Exploration Camp
Spring, summer and fall day camps with the City of Antioch: college tours, museums, trades, art and one-on-one coaching.
Learn more →