The History of the wellness & Mediation Program

Since 2015, the Wellness Program at BICD has been a trusted partner in providing social-emotional support to students in Boston Public Schools. Designed to address the challenges that impact student success—including trauma, systemic barriers, and educational inequities—this program works directly with schools to create safe spaces where students can develop resilience and essential life skills.

The program focuses on building executive function — helping students develop skills like emotional regulation, decision-making, goal setting, and problem-solving. Through targeted workshops and one-on-one support, students learn how to manage stress, regulate emotions, and navigate academic and personal challenges with confidence. Dedicated support is also available for neurodivergent youth, including specialized group sessions for students on the autism spectrum and their paraprofessionals.

In addition to executive function development, the program includes conflict resolution training, grief counseling, and stress management strategies. Students engage in activities that strengthen self-awareness and interpersonal skills, such as mindfulness, journaling, and guided relaxation. The program delivers over 546 hours of services annually, reaching nearly 500 students each year and positively impacting more than 1,800 young people since its inception.

By collaborating with schools and community organizations, BICD provides structured, high-impact programming that ensures students receive the social-emotional and executive function support they need to succeed in school and beyond. We welcome partnerships with institutions looking to integrate proven wellness strategies into their student support systems.