Expanding Access to Social-Emotional Learning in Illinois: SEL Access Exchange Empowers Youth and Caregivers

Bright Promises Foundation, in collaboration with the Illinois Afterschool Network (IAN) and with generous support from the Cigna Foundation, is launching a transformative initiative to expand access to free social-emotional learning (SEL) resources across Illinois. The SEL Access Exchange builds on the success of the Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub and will deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive SEL training to hundreds of youth-serving professionals and caregivers statewide.

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What Is the SEL Access Exchange?

The SEL Access Exchange is a statewide program designed to close gaps in SEL access for out-of-school time providers, families, and communities. With fewer than 1 in 5 youth providers currently receiving coaching and less than half attending professional development events, this initiative meets a critical need.

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Key Features of the SEL Access Exchange:

• Free SEL workshops for afterschool professionals
• 100+ hours of personalized coaching
• Culturally responsive SEL resources tailored to Black, Latinx, immigrant, and rural communities
• Multilingual support, including Spanish translation
• Community events for over 200 families and youth providers
• Professional development certification through Gateways to Opportunity

Why Social-Emotional Learning Matters

SEL is essential for building emotional resilience, self-awareness, and healthy relationships in children and youth. Research shows that SEL improves academic performance, mental health, and long-term success. Yet many communities—especially those facing systemic inequities—lack access to high-quality, culturally relevant SEL tools.

The SEL Access Exchange addresses barriers such as:

• Limited availability of culturally competent SEL materials
• Economic constraints in under-resourced neighborhoods
• Stigma around mental health in some communities
• Lack of multilingual resources
• Shortage of trained SEL professionals

A Proven Model for Community Impact

This initiative builds on Bright Promises and IAN’s Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub, launched in 2023. Grounded in frameworks like Cultural Wealth, Humanization, and Vygotsky’s Theory of Learning, the hub values the lived experiences of families and youth, challenging deficit-based approaches in education.

The SEL Access Exchange will expand this model tenfold, reaching 1,700 individuals across Illinois—including Chicago, Springfield, Rock Island, Quincy, Flora, and Pontiac.

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Voices from the Field

“This partnership reflects our belief that lasting change starts with the people closest to children,” said Katherine Korey, Executive Director of Bright Promises Foundation. “By investing in the environments where young people grow and learn, we’re helping reshape systems to ensure every child has the support they need to thrive.”

“Afterschool professionals are essential to the health and development of our youth,” added Gwyn Moss, Executive Director of IAN. “This initiative ensures they have the tools and support they need to foster resilience, connection, and emotional well-being in every corner of our state.”

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Powered by the Cigna Foundation

The Cigna Foundation’s support of the SEL Access Exchange reflects its commitment to health equity and improving the mental and emotional well-being of children and families. Their investment enables Bright Promises and IAN to scale a proven model and reach communities that have historically been underserved.

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Get Involved

To learn more about the SEL Access Exchange or to access free SEL resources, visit:

👉 brightpromises.org/bright-communities

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