From Social-Emotional Learning,
to Social-Emotional Liberation.

Black S.E.L. is a customized approach to Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), centering the brilliance, resilience, and lived experiences of Black students and communities.  Our mission is to create spaces that affirm Black identity, cultivate emotional wellness, and build collective power — shifting the conversation from learning to liberation.

Our Programs

Our programs and resources move beyond traditional SEL frameworks — grounding healing, identity, and empowerment in culture, history, and liberation. 

The Black SEL Summer Institute

A transformative summer experience for Black youth ages 13–18 that builds social-emotional skills through culture, creativity, and community.

Black SEL Summit

An annual gathering of educators, students, and community leaders exploring healing, identity, and liberation through dialogue and action.

The Student Advocate Program empowers young leaders to drive change in their schools and communities through civic engagement, advocacy, and peer mentorship.

Our Impact.

Summer Institute Students feel empowered to express their thoughts, feelings and emotions.
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Summer Institute Students feel empowered to express their thoughts, feelings and emotions.
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of parents state that Black SEL programming will help their child in school.
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of students see themselves as a leader post institute.
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Our Framework.

While traditional SEL builds skills for personal and social growth, Black S.E.L. goes deeper — connecting emotional wellness to identity, culture, and community.

The Black SEL Framework deepens traditional SEL by grounding it in Black lived experiences, ensuring practices are both relevant and empowering for Black youth, families and communities.  The Black SEL Framework is intended to serve as a conduit for cultural, local collective empowerment within Black families and communities.

Our Resources.

Podcast

The Dangers of the Mind Podcast, powered by Black SEL- offers information to better reach black and brown communities.

Free Downloads

Browse and download free resources and activities intended to equip educators, parents, and communities with Black social-emotional learning tools.

Videos

We carefully curate panels, breakout sessions, and discussions around the importance of Black social-emotional learning.

News

Whether you're familiar with SEL, or just getting started on your journey- stay up-to-date on the latest SEL research and news through our blog.

It's our responsibility as African descendants to recognize how social-emotional development will benefit our communities.
Kristen Hopkins
CEO & Founder | Dangers of the Mind Education Fund x Black SEL

Get Involved!

Join us in creating transformative opportunities for Black communities! Your donation supports programs that empower individuals, build self-concept, and drive community-centered change.Your generosity allows us to provide Black youth and communities with SEL resources that shape the future. We are truly grateful for your contributions and your commitment to our mission.

Meet Our

Student Advocates

An Advocate is a Black SEL Ambassador who has completed the Black SEL Advocate Fellowship and actively leads by supporting peers, championing social justice, and fostering community well-being. 

Want to become a Black SEL Student Advocate? Subscribe to our Program newsletter to stay updated on the next application cycle for the Advocate Fellowship Cohort!

No Accepting Applications for

Black SEL Internships

Are you a student or emerging leader driven by purpose and eager to make a meaningful difference? Black SEL, an initiative of the Dangers of the Mind Education Fund, invites passionate changemakers to apply for our dynamic internship program. If you’re committed to education, community empowerment, and advancing equity for Black communities, this is your chance to get involved in impactful work that matters.

1

Who we are looking for

Are you passionate about social impact, education, and empowering Black communities? Black SEL, powered by the Dangers of the Mind Education Fund, is looking for dynamic and dedicated interns to join our team!

2

What are your interests?

We’re seeking students and emerging leaders with interests in:

  • Political Science & Civic Engagement
  • Business & Entrepreneurship
  • Marketing & Communications
  • Public Relations, Education, and more!

3

The opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in community building, social-emotional learning, event planning, and advocacy work that centers Black voices and excellence.

To apply, email your resume and cover letter to: info@blacksel.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Join a movement that’s changing the way we build within our communities.