California: La Mesa-Spring Valley District Uses Sports to Boost SEL Skills

In this K-8 district serving ~11,000 students, leaders highlighted their unique sports league that integrates social-emotional learning (SEL), teaching kids to be better teammates through athletics. Panelists shared stories of students gaining confidence, empathy, and collaboration skills on and off the field.

Youth excellence roundup:

A structured program turning sports into a powerful tool for life skills and character building.