Prepare Your Students for Life
Boost is a ready-to-use life skills curriculum that helps students build the character, mindset, and people skills they need to thrive — in class, in the community, and in their future.
Career Readiness Starts with the Basics
Everyone talks about preparing students for the workforce... but are we actually teaching the skills employers care about?
With Boost, students develop the real, observable behaviors that set them apart — starting with essential skills like:
These core skills lay the groundwork for higher-level competencies like communication, leadership, and conflict resolution.
You wouldn't try to teach algebra before basic math — why treat life skills any differently?
What Is the Boost Program?
Boost is a research-backed curriculum that teaches students 26 essential life skills across three pillars:
People Skills
How to connect, communicate, and collaborate
Character Development
Integrity, empathy, humility, kindness
Healthy Mindset
Grit, goal-setting, emotional regulation, resilience
The program can fit seamlessly into your school's schedule.
A Modern Approach
Is Boost Considered SEL? Yes — But It's So Much More.
Boost helps students build many of the same competencies as traditional Social Emotional Learning programs — but in a way that truly resonates with teens and young adults.
Here's how Boost stands apart:
Designed for Older Students
Most SEL programs are geared toward elementary or early middle school. Boost is built for students who are ready to take ownership of their future.
A Dedicated Course — Not Just Embedded Lessons
Instead of sprinkling soft skills across subjects, Boost is structured as a complete, skill-building experience.
of students who complete Boost say they now clearly understand which skills are crucial for success
No Software. No Expensive Setup.
Boost is simple to roll out and easy to teach. Schools don't need new systems, tech platforms, or long training sessions to get started.
Understood by the Community
The term "SEL" can feel vague or misunderstood by students, parents, and even local leaders. But when schools explain that Boost teaches specific, real-world skills — like how to start a conversation, how to show respect, or how to bounce back from a setback — everyone gets it. Students engage. Parents support it. Employers value it.
It's SEL — but presented in a way that everyone understands the goal.
2 Ways to Teach
Choose the approach that works best for your students and schedule
Boost Foundation
8-Week Sessions
A fast-paced introduction to all 26 Boost Skills. Ideal for building awareness, sparking interest, and laying the groundwork for skill development.
Students explore People Skills, Character, and Healthy Mindset through engaging group lessons, videos, and role-play.
- Sparks curiosity by showing students that living the life they want is mostly skill-based
- Introduces all 26 Boost Skills through role-playing, videos, worksheets, and group discussions
- Ends with a reflection activity where students identify skills they already excel at—and those they want to improve—to build a personal growth plan
Boost Applied
Semester of Boost
A semester-long format offering more time to practice and reinforce Boost Skills. Great for classrooms or programs looking for weekly structure and steady growth.
Includes assessments, weekly activities, and personalized goal setting.
- Provides more time to practice and develop all 26 Boost Skills
- Includes more frequent role-playing and real-life application
- Uses video recording so students can observe and improve their own skill use
- Allows students to dive deeper into skill-building and become more proficient over time
You're Already Doing So Much Right — Let Boost Multiply the Impact
Most schools and youth organizations have powerful missions, dedicated staff, and supportive cultures designed to help students thrive.
But even in the best environments, one critical gap often remains:
“Are we explicitly teaching the foundational life skills students need to succeed beyond school?”
These skills — things like how to carry a conversation, show respect, manage setbacks, and build real relationships — don't develop automatically.
And they can't be delivered through a poster, a pep talk, or a one-off assembly.
That's where Boost comes in.
It's a practical, proven curriculum that acts as a force multiplier — reinforcing your mission and helping students embody the values your school already promotes.
Proven Results in Schools Across the Country
"Boost changed the culture of our classroom. Our students are more respectful, open, and engaged."
High School Principal
PA
"This is what every school should be teaching — it's real life."
Youth Mentor
Workforce Program
The Book
Your Complete Guide to Youth Development
"The Missing Course for Today's Youth" is designed for anyone working with young adults—parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, and counselors.
The 26 Skills of Boost
A complete breakdown of every skill your young adult needs
Why These Skills Matter
The research and reasoning behind each chosen skill
The Boost Formula
A proven methodology to actually teach and develop these skills
More Important Than Ever
Why today's world demands these skills more than any generation before
Includes 22 Worksheets
Worksheets that you can use with your students right away
3 Ways to Get Started in Boost
Join the Boost Alliance, certify a staff member, or contract an experienced coach to bring Boost to your organization
Join Boost Alliance
Get access to lesson plans, community support, and comprehensive resources to start your Boost journey.
- Training Videos
- Webinar Access
- Assigned Contact
- Office Hours
- Community for Best Practices
- Lesson Plans
$375
Get StartedCertify A Staff Member
Train a current member of your staff to lead Boost sessions with comprehensive certification.
- Training Videos
- Community Access
- Ongoing Support
- Access to All Boost Materials
- Certification for Staff Member(s)
- Complete Staff Training Program
Custom Pricing
Book a CallContract with Boost
Have an experienced Boost coach come to your organization to lead sessions directly.
- Ongoing Support
- Complete Program Management
- Flexible Scheduling
- Customized Programming
- On-Site Session Leadership
- Dedicated Boost Coach
Custom Pricing
Book a CallNeed Help With Funding?
The BYA has relationships with private companies, private foundations, and government entities to help assist with the cost. Set up a call to see where you might be eligible for funding support.
Book A CallLet's Equip Your Students to Thrive
Bring Boost to your school this semester.