2026-2027 BNE Cohort #4

Description

Butterflies N Effect 2026–2027 | Cohort 4

Learn. Lead. Earn Your Wings.™

Butterflies N Effect (BNE) Cohort 4 is a FREE hybrid after-school leadership, social-emotional learning, and mentoring program for students in grades 7–12. The 2026–2027 program year runs from September 22, 2026 through May 20, 2027 and is designed to help young people build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, develop emotional intelligence, explore future opportunities, and gain practical skills they can use in school, at home, and as they prepare for adulthood.

Our philosophy is simple: young people thrive when they are given a safe community where they can learn, be heard, explore who they are, discover what they are capable of, and have caring adults who recognize their potential.

Students participate in virtual programming each week, including mandatory Tuesday Core SEL sessions and Thursday Butterfly Mentoring Labs. Students will also come together for monthly in-person experiences focused on community, leadership, service, relationship-building, and fun.

Throughout the year, participants may explore topics and experiences including:

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), self-awareness, confidence, emotional regulation, identity, belonging, communication, and healthy boundaries
• Leadership development, teamwork, decision-making, self-advocacy, public voice, and community service
• Financial literacy, budgeting, saving, credit awareness, money management, and introductory wealth-building concepts
• High school, college, and career readiness
• Scholarships, grants, financial aid awareness, and preparing early for postsecondary opportunities
• Career exploration through guest speakers and mentors from a variety of professions and industries
• Entrepreneurship, side hustles, personal branding, creativity, and turning interests into ideas
• Digital wellness, social media, healthy relationships, online boundaries, and responsible decision-making
• Practical life skills and “Adulting 101,” including goal-setting, organization, communication, time management, and preparing for greater independence
• Family and community experiences, special outings, the Butterfly Tea, student showcases, service opportunities, and our end-of-year Butterfly Graduation

BNE intentionally maintains a small cohort environment so students can receive more individualized attention, build meaningful relationships, and become known as individuals rather than simply another name on a roster.

Students also participate in the Earn Your Wings™ Incentive Program, earning Butterfly Wings Points through attendance, participation, leadership, service, and engagement. Students have opportunities for session incentives, recognition, and the year-end Most Valuable Butterfly (MVB) honor.

Family partnership is an important part of the BNE experience. Parents and guardians are expected to support their student's participation and attend one in-person parent workshop during each program session: Fall, Winter, and Spring. These workshops help strengthen the connection between students, families, schools, and the larger community.

We are not looking for perfect students. We are looking for students who are ready to grow.

At Butterflies N Effect, our goal is for every participant to leave Cohort 4 with greater confidence, knowledge, opportunity, leadership skills, community connection, and a stronger belief in what is possible for their future.

Learn. Lead. Earn Your Wings.™ 🦋

Virtual Instruction

Cost - Free