Bent On Learning formed in 2001 when three yoga teachers met by chance in their mutual and passionate pursuit of bringing yoga to urban youth. They began as a small, volunteer effort with a smattering of classes in a few public schools. After the events of September 11th, New Visions for Public Schools tapped Bent On Learning to coordinate a yoga program to help children to heal and to manage post-traumatic stress. As a result, their small, volunteer program immediately swelled into 45 classes per week at 10 schools with 15 additional yoga teachers, reaching upwards of 1000 students each week.

Every year, Bent On Learning brings yoga to more students in more schools and youth centers, from Brooklyn to Manhattan and the Bronx. We offer special classes for students with learning disabilities and for pregnant teens as well as classes for teachers to learn ways to incorporate simple yogic techniques and mindfulness training into their teaching.