The Role of Social and Emotional Learning in Future Workforce Readiness

Matthew Atwell, Senior Researcher, Civic

Research has shown social and emotional learning (SEL) to be an integral force for students’ education and well-being with positive effects lasting into adulthood. Still, explicit linkages between SEL and career and workforce development remain limited. This brief explores the role of SEL in preparing students for future success in their adult and working lives. In particular, the brief shows SEL’s importance in career and workforce development and its relevance to recent trends in the future of work, and offers an examination of equity barriers that hinder youth from underserved populations and how SEL can mitigate them. The brief concludes with a look at the role business and policymakers must play in addressing equity gaps and expanding access to integrative SEL and career and workforce development models.