Open Parachute creates well-being programs designed to promote resilience in students Pre-K to Grade 12. Our goal is to create Generational Change by teaching practical mental health skills to students.
Our focus is on prevention, giving students an opportunity to practice skills for addressing any current or future challenges that might impact their mental health.
We use clinically validated, research-based psychological skills-building exercises to boost resilience, self-awareness, and social responsibility in youth and increase their connection and systems of support.
The purpose of the Open Parachute program is to create a safe space in the classroom for your students to learn practical mental health skills.
Four out of five of your students who are struggling with their mental health will never reach out for help.
It is vital that we create spaces where every student can learn the skills they need to develop the courage to speak honestly about their thoughts, feelings, and needs. Open Parachute creates this safe space for students.
How Do I Run Open Parachute Lessons?
The Open Parachute Program offers different types of content you can run depending on the needs of your class. To learn more about the different types of content, please see our Help Article: Open Parachute Lessons.
When running Open Parachute lessons, your role is to encourage your class to lean into these conversations and exercises. It’s important to remember that most students are not having these conversations anywhere else in their lives, which is why so many of them are struggling with stress, low motivation, peer challenges, and academic difficulties.
For an in-depth how-to guide on running Open Parachute lessons, please see our Help Article: Getting Started with Lessons.
How Does Open Parachute Benefit My Students?
Using the Open Parachute Program in your classroom will help your students feel more connected to each other, to themselves, and to you. It will help them build the tools they need to understand themselves on a deep level, so they can be successful in every area of their lives and know that it’s okay to seek out support when they need it.
If you would like more information on the purpose of the program, please see our Help Article: How Teaching Mental Health Skills Builds Resilience.
What Is The Theory Behind Open Parachute?
If you would like to learn more about the framework of the Open Parachute Program, an overview of the theory and research behind our resources can be found in the Help Article: What is the Theory Behind Open Parachute?
To learn more about our evidence base and find out how Open Parachute is aligned with CASEL Competencies, see our Help Article.
How Do I Learn More About The Program?
Please see the Educator Onboarding section on your Dashboard for a deep dive into the purpose of the Open Parachute program, and to prepare you for running the program.
How Do I Get Started?
When you are ready to get started, see the Help Article Introducing Open Parachute to Students to learn specific steps to introduce the program to your class!