Physical Activity and Life Skills (PALS) Group

One of the most effective ways to promote youth development and positive social change is through sport and other physical activity.

NIU College of Education’s Physical Activity and Life Skills (PALS) Group has a proven track record of supporting schools, districts and community agencies.

What customized services can we provide for you?

• Professional development and training: online, in-person, and hybrid conferences and professional development events related to our areas of expertise.
• Consulting and program development: short- or long-term consultation services related to curriculum, program development, best practices and more.
• External evaluation services: practical-yet-rigorous evaluation methods to support program improvement, the development of best practices and accountability reporting to funders and other stakeholders.
• Program delivery: individual events or ongoing programs can be delivered by our expert staff in after-school or community settings.

Learn more by exploring our Physical Education, Youth Development and International Project areas. Email our program director, Paul Wright at pwright@niu.edu if you would like to discuss ways we can help your organization.

"I expect the learning gained in these sessions will impact my practice by shifting the focus on the SEL aspects of my lessons to be more overt and intentional. The benefits to students are clear in that kids who feel safe and seen are more apt to attend and to engage when they are here. For families, it means fewer reasons for their kids to miss school as school becomes more and more a place they want to be."by Shannon Pennington, Physical Education teacher, DREAM Academy, Elgin School District U-46