
NSLA Recap: Optimism in a Time of Change
How do you top a phenomenal event from 2023? Well, ask the folks over at the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA).
After several years of dreaming, planning, and designing, I’m thrilled to finally share some big news: kid-grit and Mizzen Education have officially launched a brand-new series of 20 social emotional learning, life skills, and wellness-based activities for elementary-aged youth—crafted specifically for the out-of-school time space (and they work just as well for the K12 learning community). And the best part? They’re completely free.
Why does this matter so much to me? Because we know—thanks to research and experience—that when young people learn emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and real-world life skills early on, they thrive. Academically. Socially. Emotionally. These are the foundations of long-term success, and I believe every child, from all backgrounds, deserves access to them.
But this moment is about more than just new content. It’s a personal milestone, a story that’s come full circle.
Carlos Santini, CEO of Mizzen Education, and I go way back. We worked together from 2003 to 2006 at the Los Angeles After-School All-Stars—I, leading creative programs in theatre, storytelling, and leadership, and Carlos driving impact from the administrative side.
One of our proudest collaborations was a student-led service-learning video project that won the organization a $10,000 grant from State Farm. That spark? It never left us. Fast forward twenty years, and here we are—reunited and reimagining youth empowerment together.
2013 image at a national conference (from left to right): Diego Sulaiman Arancibia, Julia Gabor, Carlos Santini, and Thierry Gonzalez
2021 (from left to right): Hailee Moehnke, Carlos Santini, Jeffrey L. Jordan, and Julia Gabor
One of my favorite features? Mizzen supports facilitators, too! Activities on the platform include bite-sized insights and guidance for facilitators to deepen their delivery, boost confidence, and create more meaningful learning moments with youth.
So, if you work with kids (and even in K–12)—jump in! This content works for every educator!
To get started, create a free Mizzen account, search for “kid-grit”, and dive in. Bring your voice, imagination, and unique facilitation style to the experience.
This partnership is a reminder that when you lead with purpose, nurture relationships, and stay rooted in service, incredible things can grow.
And trust me, we’re just getting started.
– Julia Gabor, Mindful Founder, kid-grit
How do you top a phenomenal event from 2023? Well, ask the folks over at the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA).
In today’s fast-paced educational environment, mental health is no longer just a personal issue, it’s a professional priority.
Here at kid-grit, we had a wonderfully crazy month in October! Check out this blog post to hear more about what we were up to.