Social Inclusion:

Building Connection & Belonging in Our School Community

In response to the SAVE (Safety and Violence Education) Act, Presidential Consultants has developed a comprehensive, evidence-based program designed to improve mental health awareness and violence prevention in schools.

This program equips both school staff and students with practical tools and strategies for recognizing and addressing mental health challenges, preventing violence, and fostering a safe, supportive school community.

Program Components

• Understanding Social Isolation: Recognize signs of social isolation in students and how it impacts well-being.

• Building Connection: Foster peer relationships to create a more inclusive and connected school environment.

• Peer Support: Encourage student-led initiatives that promote belonging and social responsibility.

• Social Skills: Equip students with communication and empathy tools to reduce exclusion.

• Collaboration with Adults: Engage teachers and counselors in supporting and intervening when needed.

• Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Provide strategies to teachers for building welcoming, diverse classrooms.

• Ongoing Evaluation: Continuously assess and refine the program based on school community feedback.

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Click to download the full program description.

Ready to build connection and belonging in your school or district?
Schedule a conversation and discover how our program can be tailored to your community’s unique needs, fostering mental health, social inclusion, and violence prevention.

Click here to schedule a needs assessment
and start building a safer, more inclusive school today!

Evidence-based

Our Social Inclusion: Building Connection & Belonging in Our School Community program is grounded in high-quality research demonstrating that fostering social inclusion within schools significantly improves student well-being, peer relationships, and academic engagement. Social inclusion programs have consistently proven to reduce feelings of isolation and create a more supportive and connected school environment, which leads to positive student outcomes.

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Research on Social Inclusion

Research from the American Psychological Association (APA) shows that social connectedness within schools directly promotes mental health and reduces feelings of exclusion and isolation. Students who feel included and connected to their peers are more likely to engage positively in school, both socially and academically, and avoid behaviors that lead to bullying or violence:

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    •    American Psychological Association (APA) – Social Connectedness

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) underscores how fostering a culture of inclusion leads to improved student engagement and reduced behavioral issues, further highlighting the importance of connection and belonging in schools. These positive effects directly contribute to student well-being, making schools safer and more supportive environments:

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    •    CASEL – Research on Social Inclusion

Program Design and Evidence

Our program follows research from the National Center for Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE), which shows that fostering inclusive environments decreases social isolation and promotes a sense of belonging among students. Schools that promote social inclusion report greater academic participation and a stronger sense of community:

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    •    NCSSLE – Social Inclusion Research

Incorporating peer-led initiatives, our program draws from research by the University of Cambridge, which reveals that student engagement and peer support are critical in creating a culture of belonging. This approach ensures that students feel empowered to foster inclusion, reducing exclusionary behaviors and creating stronger peer relationships:

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    •    University of Cambridge – Social Inclusion Research

Ongoing Evaluation Efforts

Our program includes ongoing evaluation through surveys and feedback to measure improvements in peer relationships, student engagement, and school climate. Where requested and available, we track data related to behavioral outcomes, student feedback, and participation in school activities to continuously improve the program. This aligns with best practices outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which emphasizes the importance of assessing programs to ensure they improve school connectedness:

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    •    CDC – School Connectedness Research

Our Social Inclusion: Building Connection & Belonging in Our School Community program is built on evidence-based practices proven to enhance student well-being and foster an inclusive school environment. Ongoing evaluation ensures the program is adaptable and responsive to the unique needs of each school community.