Learner Outcomes:

In today's digital world, children are growing up in an environment different from any before. With technology pervading their daily lives in and out of the classroom, young people are developing fluency in technical skills unknown before. Meanwhile, the crucial face-to-face interactions taken for granted for generations and essential for developing strong social and professional skills are diminishing. This decrease in interpersonal experience in childhood and early adolescence is being shown to lead to significant challenges as young people transition through high school into higher education and eventually into the workforce.

At the same time, technology is developing the ability to do what only humans could in the recent past. Technology will never, however, be able to interface with other humans as a human. At a time when the natural opportunities to develop this ability are being compromised, it is becoming one of the most in demand. Young people who do develop strong social and professional skills early on have a significant edge both academically and in their careers, as studies are showing (see articles with links below).

What Our Course Teaches

Confidence and Social Ease: Every parent dreams of their child feeling confident and comfortable in social situations, able to make friends easily and navigate interactions with grace. However, increased time with technology can hinder children’s ability to develop essential social skills once taken for granted. Interpersonal Success Training emphasizes active participation and practice with other class participants, allowing students to develop natural fluency in social skills through well-structured activities interacting with their peers.

Academic and Professional Success: Parents desire their children to excel academically and be well-prepared for successful careers. Effective communication, teamwork, and leadership are becoming more critical than ever. By focusing on etiquette, public speaking, collaboration, and networking, our course prepares students for the professional world, giving them the skills they need to stand out in a competitive job market.

Emotional Well-being: Ensuring their children can manage stress, understand their emotions, and maintain mental health is a priority for parents. Unfortunately, reduced face-to-face interactions during formative years have been shown to lead to difficulties in reading social cues, managing conflicts, and engaging in meaningful conversations. Developing self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation helps students manage their emotions and understand others, leading to better social interactions and mental well-being.

Leadership and Independence: Parents hope their children will develop leadership skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. However, social skill deficits can create significant obstacles during critical transitions in life. From adjusting to the social environment of college to navigating the professional world, young people without strong interpersonal skills often find themselves at a disadvantage. Our course includes activities that build leadership skills and teach students how to work effectively in teams, fostering independence and collaboration.

Civility and Mutual Respect: Parents want their children to grow up respecting others' thoughts, feelings, and goals. However, too often relationships can become transactional and exploitative, jeopardizing this moral perspective. Our course instills the values of respect, civility, and reciprocity, teaching students to build caring relationships and make positive contributions to society. By emphasizing the dignity of every individual and the importance of civic responsibility, we ensure that social skills serve not only personal advancement but also creating a healthier, safer, and stronger community for all.