Achievements
Bent On Learning was born out of 9/11, when our three founders, volunteer yoga teachers at the time, were invited to teach yoga as a tool for stress management in schools directly impacted by the terrorist attacks. Since then, we have developed a yoga curriculum appropriate for each phase of children’s development, created a top Children’s Yoga Teacher Training program and trained 136 teachers. To date, we have taught yoga to over 22,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade. In 2019, we began collaborating with the NYC Department of Education’s Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher Preparation Program (YMTP2) to support their goal of providing a yoga and mindfulness teacher in every school.
OUR IMPACT
20 Years
76 Schools
134 Teachers
22,000+ Students
Measuring our Outcomes
Bent On Learning uses the Hello Insight youth development evaluation platform to measure social and emotional learning (SEL) outcomes for young people in our programs. These tools have been scientifically validated and continuously tested with more than 1,500 programs, including perspectives from more than 100,000 young people in 44 states nationwide. Studies show that improvements in SEL skills are correlated with long-term gains in high school completion, college and career readiness and increased life-long thriving.
Bent On Learning programs boost high school students’ confidence in their ability to attain academic success
An impact evaluation of 112 BOL high school students during the 2015-17 academic years found that 83% made statistically significant gains in positive youth development. The most dramatic change was seen in academic self-efficacy (+47 points, based on a 100-point scale). After taking weekly Bent On Learning yoga classes at their school, students with the lowest confidence in their ability to attain academic success improved the most.
Bent On Learning yoga helps 3rd graders improve social skills
An evaluation of 3rd graders at PS214 in The Bronx in 2018 showed that our program was especially successful at helping kids grow in social skills. Young people who excel in this capacity demonstrate care and empathy towards others, value their feelings, and try to help friends who may be hurting. They interact constructively with peers, teachers, and other school officials, which shapes their feelings of connection to learning spaces and leads to improved academics.
“Our students saw significant gains in their ability to self-regulate through the Bent on Learning program. They learned how to use a simple yet important tool like their breath to instill focus and manage their emotions. The BOL yoga program is particularly vital to supporting our at-risk and special needs student population. It is our vision to become a flagship school and bring the benefit of these practices school wide.”
David Cintron, Principal, PS214, Bronx New York
“Yoga makes me feel more peaceful. When I’m angry or stressed, I come out of yoga calm instead of with negative emotions.”
Jennifer, Junior, New Design High School
