Bent On Learning was founded in 2001 with a simple goal: to support young people’s well-being through yoga, mindfulness, and meditation in schools.

For more than two decades, we’ve partnered with New York City public schools to serve students from Pre-K through 12th grade, train educators, and provide school-based yoga programs that educate the whole child in body, mind, and heart.

Today, our work also includes workforce development for high school students, in partnership with local community organizations, supporting leadership, resilience, and pathways into meaningful work

OUR IMPACT

25 Years

100+ Schools

170 Yoga Educators

25,000+ Students

research-based

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.

83% of high school students made statistically significant gains in positive youth development.

An impact evaluation of 112 BOL high school students 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 their ability to regulate emotions and behavior and to get along with others

An evaluation of 100 3rd graders at PS214 in The Bronx 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 administrators, 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.”