The EDMO Method: How EDMO Helps Kids Build Real-World Skills That Last a Lifetime

At EDMO, we believe every kid deserves the chance to thrive, not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and creatively. For more than 20 years, we’ve worked alongside families and school districts to create learning spaces where kids can be themselves, explore their interests, and life-long build the skills that matter most in today’s world.

Kids navigate more than just academics. They’re growing up in a world where mental health challenges, social pressure, and inequities are on the rise and we know one thing for certain: Academic success alone isn’t enough. That’s why we focus on more than test scores. We give kids the tools to understand themselves, navigate complex emotions, speak up for what’s right, and build meaningful relationships.

That’s where the EDMO Method comes in.

‍

Built on Research. Designed for Real Life.

The EDMO Method is our unique approach to learning and development. It’s grounded in the science of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), culturally responsive education, and a holistic approach that addresses the whole individual. With support from Thrive Paradigm and leading research from CASEL (the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning), we redesigned our framework in 2023 to meet the evolving needs of kids and communities.

At its heart are five core practices:

‍

Self-Awareness, Problem-Solving, Advocacy, Collaboration, and Empathy.

Together, they form what we call S.P.A.C.E. - the space kids (and adults) need to grow and show up as their fullest selves.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

Self-Awareness: Kids reflect on who they are, recognize their emotions, and understand how their words and actions affect others.
Problem-Solving: They ask questions, get creative, and use their unique strengths to work through challenges.
Advocacy: They discover the power of their voice and learn to speak up for themselves and others.
Collaboration: They practice listening, sharing ideas, and making decisions as a team, with care and respect.
Empathy: They learn to understand different perspectives and hold space for difference.

These are real-life skills that ripple outward. They show up when a kiddo comforts a friend who’s sad, leads a group project with confidence, or writes a letter to a school leader about making their learning spaces more inclusive. These skills continue to show up at home, at school, in the community, and in every corner of life, even as kids grow into adolescents and adults.

The EDMO Method creates the conditions for these skills to take root early, so they become part of how young people relate, communicate, and lead for years to come. Research shows that strong social and emotional skills support everything from academic achievement and job readiness to mental health and civic engagement. But beyond data points, we see something deeply human: Kids who believe in their own voice, care about others, and feel a sense of purpose in their communities.

‍

A Framework That Grows With Kids

What makes the EDMO Method special is that it’s intentionally designed to meet kids where they are, whether they’re in transitional kindergarten or entering adolescence. Each skill includes developmentally appropriate language, activities, and implementation strategies tailored to different grade levels (TK through 8th).

As Candice, one of our curriculum developers, explains:

“The EDMO method guides our framework when creating curriculum. We use self-awareness to reflect on our instructional practices and student needs, and problem-solving to develop engaging, real-world learning experiences. Through advocacy and collaboration, we ensure diverse voices and disciplines are integrated, while empathy helps us design inclusive lessons that resonate with all learners.”

And it’s not just about the kids. Every EDMO program is led by staff who receive ongoing training in how to integrate the EDMO Method into everything they do, creating a consistent, affirming experience across all our programs, whether it’s a summer camp, an afterschool program, or beyond.

For EDMO staff, this becomes part of how they navigate challenges, build relationships, and show up in their own lives. By practicing what we teach, EDMO team members find themselves growing alongside the kids they teach.

It’s a full-circle approach. The more we support our staff in developing these skills, the more impactful and connected their work becomes, and the more vibrant and supportive our entire community grows.

‍

Centering Equity in Everything We Do

The EDMO Method was evaluated through multiple lenses to ensure it’s inclusive, accessible, and reflective of kids’ lived experiences. We draw from CASEL’s “Equity & SEL” analysis to design programs where learning feels connected, relevant, and empowering.

Drawing from CASEL’s “Equity & SEL” cultural analysis, our framework integrates strategies that:

Support healthy cultural and social identity
Encourage effective coping strategies for discrimination
Explore cultural and race-related narratives
Affirm cultural identity and build fluency
Invite youth to address inequities in ways that feel safe and meaningful

As youth development leader Dr. Shawn Ginwright writes, “Healing-centered engagement requires a different question from 'What’s wrong with you?' to 'What’s happened to you?'” At EDMO, we go a step further and ask, “What strengths do you carry and how can we help them shine?”

‍

Backed by Research and Lived Experience

The EDMO Method draws on a broad range of research, including CASEL’s SEL framework, the Search Institute’s Developmental Relationships framework, and the Positive Youth Development (PYD) model. We also reference the work of leading educators and scholars such as Shawn Ginwright, Zaretta Hammond, and Gloria Ladson-Billings.

Together, these sources affirm what we see every day: Young people thrive in environments where they feel supported, challenged, and connected. When kids feel seen and valued, they engage more fully with learning, build stronger relationships, and grow into confident, capable contributors to their communities. It also highlights the importance of culturally responsive practice and the need for learning spaces that reflect the diverse identities and experiences of the kids in them.

We take this seriously and families tell us they notice these shifts. Kids come home with a deeper sense of self, more emotional awareness, and a renewed enthusiasm for learning. They feel proud of who they are, and they feel part of something bigger.

79% of EDMO families report seeing their kids develop core social-emotional skills, such as better self-awareness, improved problem-solving skills, more willingness to speak up about unfairness or injustice, enhanced collaboration skills, and an increase in empathy.

‍

How S.P.A.C.E. Comes to Life

In our programs, kids practice the skills they acquire via the EDMO Method in ways that feel natural and fun through the following:

Hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving
Group reflections and creative expression
Games, team-building, and leadership opportunities
Activities rooted in community and connection

‍

We also work closely with schools and districts to align our programs with site goals, academic priorities, and local needs. Whether a program is offered during summer, after school, or in the classroom, the EDMO Method provides a consistent foundation for growth that helps kids thrive for life.

Let’s take a closer look at the five practices in the EDMO Method:

Self-Awareness
Kids build understanding of who they are, what they feel, and how their actions affect others. This can include everything from learning to name emotions, to reflecting on identity, to noticing how their presence impacts a group.

Problem-Solving
This is more than fixing what’s broken. Kids explore how to ask questions, think critically, try new approaches, and apply creativity to everyday challenges.

Advocacy
We support kids in recognizing their capacity to create change. Whether that’s standing up for a peer or sharing an idea to improve their school or program, advocacy helps kids connect with their voice and use it to contribute.

Collaboration
Kids work together toward shared goals, practicing active listening, co-decision-making, and mutual respect. They learn how to celebrate each other’s strengths and share responsibility.

Empathy
Empathy is about more than kindness. It’s about taking the time to understand someone else’s perspective, honoring differences, and approaching each interaction with curiosity and care.

‍

What Families Are Saying

Families tell us that EDMO programs help their kids come home more confident, more communicative, and more excited about learning. They notice an increase in curiosity, empathy, and emotional intelligence. For many families, especially those navigating limited educational options or systemic barriers, EDMO provides not just a program—but a partner.

One parent shared, “(EDMO is) not only a lifesaver for working parents, but a unique opportunity in our small community for children to have safe, healthy entertainment and learning during school breaks. Thank you all!”

‍

Looking Ahead

Kids today are growing up in a world that asks a lot of them. They are navigating complex emotions, rapid change, and big questions about the future. The EDMO Method creates a foundation that supports kids now and equips them for the road ahead. It gives them a place to feel safe, a community to belong to, and practices they can return to again and again.

When kids have the space to be seen and the support to grow, they become the leaders, creators, and changemakers of tomorrow.

‍

Text Link

Learn more about partnering with EDMO and reach out to us today!

PARTNER WITH EDMO

Together, we can create inclusive and safe learning spaces for every kid and open doors to a brighter future for all. Donate today!

Donate Now

EDMO Summer Camp





The EDMO Method: How EDMO Helps Kids Build Real-World Skills That Last a Lifetime

FOR SCHOOLS

FOR FAMILIES

ABOUT EDMO

CAREERS