What Are Second Step® Programs? 

The Second Step family of programs is an evidence-based, research-backed curriculum spanning PreK through high school. These programs equip students with essential human skills that support academic success and student well-being.

 The K–8 digital programs have been proven to:

• Boost academic performance
• Improve attendance
• Reduce negative behaviors
• Enhance school climate

Second Step programs equip students with the tools to build healthy relationships, overcome setbacks, regulate their emotions, and solve problems.

Second Step® Early Learning

Second Step Early Learning helps PreK students strengthen the foundational human skills that support their academic and social readiness, including:

• Active listening, focusing, and following directions
• Sharing and cooperating
• Managing feelings and behavior
• Friendship skills and problem-solving

This evidence-based program helps prepare students to participate, learn, and engage with others as they get ready to enter Kindergarten.

Second Step® Elementary Digital Program

The evidence-based Second Step Elementary digital program helps elementary students develop human skills that support their learning, relationships, and overall well-being.

The program includes instructor-led lessons, extension activities, small group lessons, and educator resources that support classroom learning. Students build skills like goal-setting, collaboration, and respectful communication.

Lessons are designed to be taught in short sessions, with additional activities to reinforce learning.

Second Step® Middle School 

Second Step Middle School supports students through these key transitional years by fostering environments where they can confidently develop the skills that support academic success and well-being.

This evidence-based program includes engaging lessons and a library of nearly 200 advisory activities on real-world topics, ranging from managing conflict to developing a positive sense of self. Students learn to communicate, process emotions, and make mature decisions that support them both in school and beyond. 

Second Step® High School

Second Step High School equips students with essential human skills that fuel success during high school and prepare them for college, career, and community.

Grounded in research, the program’s flexible format integrates into existing schedules to support academic learning. With both educator practices for classrooms and schoolwide practices for leaders, this program supports a connected, positive school climate where every student has the skills to succeed.

Why Second Step® Programs?

Schools today are working to address challenges like student well-being, attendance, behavior, and school climate. These factors affect both learning and the overall school experience. Based on research and educator input, Second Step programs are built to support these efforts. They help students strengthen human skills like empathy, emotion regulation, growth mindset, and communication.

Schools that implemented Second Step K–8 digital programs with fidelity saw a more positive school climate, fewer office referrals, and improved academic motivation and performance.

These programs support students both in school and in their broader communities.

Second Step® Out-of-School Time

Second Step Out-of-School Time is an evidence-based program designed to meet the unique needs of out-of-school time settings. Built on the foundation of Second Step Elementary, Second Step Out-of-School Time helps K–5 students strengthen human skills like community-building, empathy, kindness, and growth mindset. The program is built on a play-based and action-oriented foundation. It requires minimal preparation and is designed to accommodate mixed grade-level groups.

Second Step® SEL for Adults

Second Step SEL for Adults is a professional learning program built to elevate the well-being, resilience, and human connection of K–12 educators, leaders, and staff. Created by educators for educators, this program helps them build practical strategies to foster trust, reduce burnout, and support a positive school climate.

Bullying Prevention Unit

The Second Step® Bullying Prevention Unit helps K–5 students to recognize, report, and refuse bullying. It also provides schools with strategies to support a safe and respectful learning environment.

Child Protection Unit

The Second Step® Child Protection Unit helps build a foundation for safe schools and thriving students. It includes training, guidance, and resources for leaders, educators, and families as well as age-appropriate lessons for PreK–5 students to build safety awareness and connect with trusted adults.