The SIEL Project brings interactive workshops on friendship, confidence, and connection to schools — middle school through college. We're a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so for schools that couldn't otherwise afford it, the workshops are free, funded by donors.
Loneliness, social anxiety, and isolation among young people are at historic highs, and most schools aren't equipped to address the root cause: a lot of students were simply never taught how to connect. Our workshops give them real, usable tools — and the hopeful truth underneath them: connection is a skill, not a personality you're born with. Every session is hands-on, built around practice rather than lecturing, so students leave with something they can use the same day.
A high-energy, interactive session on making friends, handling teasing and feeling left out — and, just as important, how to help others feel like they belong. The tightest age-appropriate guardrails of any of our workshops.
Real tools for building genuine friendships, recovering from awkward moments, and weathering rejection — with a warm, direct message for the students who feel most alone.
For students in a brand-new environment: how to build a social circle on purpose, turn acquaintances into real friends, and quiet the fear that everyone else already has it figured out.
An evening talk for the adults who care about a struggling young person — what actually helps a lonely, anxious, or withdrawn child, and the well-meant mistakes to avoid.
One class, one session — 45 to 90 minutes of hands-on practice.
Several sessions over time, so the skills build and actually stick.
A larger session for a full grade or the whole school.
An after-hours talk for the families in your school community.
Tell us what your students need and we'll design around it.
Strictly about connection — never dating, romance, or "talking to strangers." For younger students, every example stays about classmates in safe settings.
All participation is by invitation. Exercises happen in pairs and small groups, so no student performs alone in front of the room.
We plan with your staff in advance and know where to point a student who needs more support than a workshop can give.
The students who are struggling most are treated with the most care. The tone is support, never a lecture.
SIEL's workshops are led by founder John Bush, who has spent more than 10,000 hours coaching young people in social skills, co-created and taught a social-skills program in high school classrooms, and has years of experience teaching and speaking in front of groups. The SIEL Project is now bringing these workshops to schools — and we'd love yours to be one of the first.
Tell us about your school and what your students need.
A short conversation to choose the format, set a date, and coordinate with your staff.
An experienced coach runs the workshop with your students — free for schools that need it.
We're now booking our first school partners. Tell us a little about your school and we'll be in touch.
Or email us directly at contact@thesielproject.com.