SECOND STEP® FAMILY OF PROGRAMS
Recognized for Impact
Second Step® K–8 Digital Programs, WINNER of the Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence: Back to School 2025
We’re honored to share that Second Step K–8 digital programs have been named the 2025 Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence: Back to School WINNER in the Primary Education category.
This award celebrates solutions that truly meet today’s challenges, and what sets Second Step programs apart is their proven classroom impact. Our evidence-based K–8 digital curricula combine:
- Innovation: The programs include engaging digital content, gamified lessons, tiered interventions, and a Leader Dashboard with a Guided Playbook.
- Impact: With 60–80% fidelity, schools see improved academic motivation, reduced suspensions, stronger prosocial behavior, and a more positive school climate.
- Flexibility: The programs are designed for both in-person and online learning, with alignment to MTSS, PBIS, and trauma-informed practices to reinforce positive behavior schoolwide.
As one of the most trusted voices in education, Tech & Learning’s recognition affirms what educators across the country already know: Second Step programs strengthen the human skills students need to succeed—today in school and tomorrow in life.
Want to experience these evidence-based, award-winning human skills programs?
Connect with our Education Partnerships Team to learn more!
Winning Awards, Changing Lives
See the difference in action. Discover how Second Step programs are shaping stronger schools and building brighter futures.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Behind every data point is a classroom, a teacher, a student. Schools nationwide are seeing the difference Second Step programs make, not just in numbers but in daily life. From safer, more engaged classrooms to stronger student-teacher connections, educators share how our evidence-based human skills curricula are shaping brighter futures.
Noticeable Improvement
“Since implementing the Second Step program, we have seen a noticeable improvement in the students’ social-emotional skills, including self-awareness, empathy, and conflict resolution. Teachers report stronger classroom engagement and fewer behavior disruptions, as students are better equipped to manage their emotions and relationships. We have observed a positive shift in how students address challenges, fostering a more supportive school environment. Second Step has significantly created a safer, more inclusive, and respectful school culture.”
—Angela Rogers, Wellness Specialist, Henry County Schools, GA
Curricular Resource for Life
“Having Second Step as a curricular resource for life skill instruction across K–12 has been a tremendous asset in advancing Ogden School District’s strategic plan priorities of developing personal and interpersonal skills for resilient and empowered learning. The program is intentionally aligned with Utah State Board of Education’s Portrait of a Graduate competencies—such as emotional regulation, collaboration, empathy, and responsible decision-making—while helping us build safe, welcoming cultures where every student feels a strong sense of belonging. Its scope and sequence give students consistent exposure to essential skills at each grade level, creating a common language and set of expectations across the district. Teachers and counselors value the well-organized lessons, embedded planning supports, and ease of implementation, allowing them to focus more on connecting with students and fostering classroom community rather than designing materials from scratch.”
—Nicole Lovell, Director of Student Advocacy, Ogden School District, UT
Positive Impact on Students
“Second Step has had a positive impact on my students for the past few years. Students were respectful and supportive towards each other. Second Step taught them how to resolve conflict peacefully. I have witnessed my students bring their classmates together to talk over a misunderstanding, which ended with a handshake or a hug. I am proud of my students, as they carried what they learned over the years through Second Step with them throughout the school year.”
—Cornelia Twilley, Teacher, Chicago Public Schools, IL
Better Teacher-Student Relationships
“Second Step has helped in improving my students’ behavior positively. It reduces impulsive, high-risk, and aggressive behaviors and increases children’s social competence and other protective factors. The topics help in setting a good atmosphere in my classroom and help in improving student-teacher relationship.”
—Lola Adebisi, Teacher, Milwaukee Public Schools, WI
Proven Impact in Every Classroom
Second Step K–8 digital programs are now officially evidence-based, with rigorous independent research from WestEd including more than 25,000 students across 242 schools. When implemented with fidelity, these programs help improve school climate, reduce suspensions and referrals, increase attendance, and support both academic motivation and stronger student-teacher connections.
Take a deeper look at the data in our full evidence overview.
Making It Easy to Make a Difference
Second Step is a registered trademark of Committee for Children.