International SEL Fellows Academy

For the past 30 years, CASEL has been dedicated to deepening its understanding and application of social and emotional learning (SEL) for children and youth across the United States. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, we recognize the importance of collaborating with SEL leaders globally to address emerging needs and opportunities. The demand for high-quality SEL programming, research, and policies has grown significantly, especially over the last four years due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Polaris Market Research, the global SEL market is projected to grow at a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 24.8% between 2022 and 2030.

Apply now for the 2026-2027 International SEL Fellows Academy!

The goal: This two-year program aims to strengthen the expertise of leaders from various countries within similar regions, fostering a supportive community dedicated to learning, growth, and collaboration. Through the inaugural cohort of the International SEL Fellows Academy, CASEL is committed to enhancing our understanding of SEL on a global scale, expanding our support, and cultivating a community of skilled practitioners. Our goal is to empower these leaders to drive positive change within their communities and beyond.

…Analytical thinking remains the top core skill for employers…followed by resilience, flexibility and agility, along with leadership and social influence…Creative thinking and motivation and self-awareness rank fourth and fifth, respectively. This combination of cognitive, self-efficacy and interpersonal skills within the top five emphasizes the importance ascribed by respondents to having an agile, innovative and collaborative workforce, where both problem-solving abilities and personal resilience are critical for success.
World Economic Forum

Key Dates

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  • Application opens: April 1, 2025
  • Application closes: May 14, 2025
  • Accepted applicants receive notification: End of July 2025
  • Payment deadline: Early September 2025

Criteria

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  • Eligibility Requirements:
    Applicants must be employed by an organization at the federal, state, regional, or local level, including universities, NGOs, or similar institutions. They must hold responsibility for leading SEL efforts within their communities.
    The goal of the International SEL Fellows Academy is to assemble a diverse cohort of leaders representing the full landscape and various stages of implementation. We are seeking leaders who are eager to learn with and from one another and are well-positioned to advance systemic change within their unique contexts.
  • Experience:
    During the International SEL Fellows experience, participants will join a community of global leaders dedicated to deepening practice and impact within their unique contexts. This two-year collaboration offers meaningful opportunities for genuine connection and partnership with CASEL and international colleagues, enhancing knowledge and fostering perspective-taking.

    Throughout the International SEL Fellows program, participants will have the opportunity to:
    • Deepen their understanding of CASEL’s framework – Explore both the theory and practice that underpin CASEL’s approach to social and emotional learning.
    • Learn about international SEL programming – Gain insights into how SEL is being implemented and adapted in various countries and cultural contexts.
    • Embody SEL for personal growth and community impact – Apply SEL principles to enhance personal development and contribute positively to their communities.
    • Collaborate with CASEL to advance global SEL – Partner with CASEL to broaden understanding and strengthen connections within the global community.
    • Expand knowledge of systemic SEL – Build expertise through CASEL’s four focus areas: building support and planning, adult SEL, SEL for students, and adopting a lens of evaluation and continuous improvement.

FAQ

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Experience

    • Whole group sessions

      • Eight full-group workshops (April – November, with a break in July).
      • Year One: Sessions will focus on building a shared understanding of systemic SEL, deeply exploring the CASEL framework within participants’ contexts, leveraging SEL for personal and professional growth, and establishing implementation benchmarks for Year Two.
      • Year Two: The focus will shift toward SEL leadership, systemic implementation, and culturally aligned expert sessions based on learnings from Year One, culminating in a capstone project.

      Peer Inquiry Circles

      • Small-group coaching consultancies and community-building sessions held each year.
      • Participants will engage with fellow SEL leaders and a CASEL Facilitator to discuss challenges within their contexts and identify opportunities to leverage SEL to drive meaningful change.

      Journey Partner

      • Fellows will have the opportunity to collaborate within a personalized community of International Fellows who share common goals and aligned contexts. This supportive network will enhance learning and connection throughout the International Fellows Academy, fostering deeper relationships and shared growth.

      CASEL Staff & Partners Mentorship

      • Fellows can participate in optional “mentorship office hours” hosted by select CASEL Staff, Board Members, and Partners. These sessions provide an additional layer of shared expertise, offering valuable insights into current SEL research, practice, and policy to support Fellows’ ongoing development and implementation efforts.

      Learning HUB Platform

      • Fellows will have access to an exclusive digital community platform designed to enhance connection and collaboration within the cohort and with CASEL. The platform includes curated resources, discussion boards, and recordings of live sessions, all regularly updated to address questions and discussions among Fellows.

      Supervisor Engagement

      • Fellows’ heads of school or school leaders will have opportunities to participate in leadership roundtables and attend Capstone project presentations during the culminating Fellowship celebration, promoting alignment and support for systemic SEL implementation.

      Alumni Network

      • Upon completing the Fellowship, all International SEL Fellows will join the CASEL alumni community, offering ongoing opportunities to connect through quarterly speaker series, themed discussion groups, and an online HUB to share progress, exchange ideas, and seek support.

Cost

    • The cost is $10,000 U.S. Dollars annually per participant. 

      The cost of the two year program is $20,000 at $10,000 U.S. Dollars annually.

Time Commitment

    • After the in-person session at the SEL Exchange on November 4th, 2025, we will begin programming in January 2026 with one-on-one calls and individual work. Beginning March 2026, we will begin monthly 3-hour full group sessions with the expectation that Fellows complete all other Academy assignments outside of those sessions.

      Note, the leadership academy requires active participation. Fellows will engage in workshops, mentorship, coaching consultancies, and related projects. This will add up to three dedicated hours per month for community gatherings and up to four hours of additional work monthly to reinforce and apply these learnings.

General Questions

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    • A maximum of 40 applicants will be accepted.

    • CASEL staff will be hosting a Drop-In Informational Session on the 2025 International SEL Fellows Application on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 12pm-1pm CT. More information on this session will be sent via email.

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