About JBSI

Inspiring, maturing, and celebrating the voices of America's youth through experiential learning and character development.

JBSI Astronaut Mascot

Let me tell you the story behind JBSI! đź“– Every great mission starts with a vision. Discover what drives us to empower young minds.

Our Philosophy

"Self-Discovery lights the path to Self-Help."

Every JBSI experience begins with reflection and ends in empowerment. We view learning as a continuous "lemniscate"—the infinity loop of knowing and becoming.

True education evolves not only in what we teach, but in how we teach it. Today's youth are intuitive, sensitive, and wise beyond their years. They deserve an education that honors their depth.

Meet Alana ReneeFounder & Education Director

Alana Renee is an educator, content designer, and learning facilitator with over two decades of experience in youth development and organizational learning.

She holds a Master's in Global Organizational Change Management (Learning & Development) and a Bachelor's in Classical Humanities & Sociology. She is an Applied Behavioral Analyst (Registered), MBTI & MMTIC Certified, and SEL-RYT200 trained.

Guided by the principle that "knowing is infinite," she believes that education must evolve alongside human consciousness. Her purpose is to ensure that youth know universal evolution demands space for their growth—whether adults are ready for it or not.

Recognition & Awards

Girls Lead Out Loud Education Director
Prudential Business Skills in Service Award
Community Service Award

Credentials

  • • Applied Behavioral Analyst (Registered)
  • • MBTI & MMTIC Certified
  • • SEL-RYT200 Trained

Mission Statement

To equip preteens with the tools to know themselves, manage themselves, and believe in themselves—so they can grow into compassionate, self-sufficient adults who lead with wisdom and purpose.

What We Offer

JBSI provides safe, non-judgmental spaces where students, parents, and teachers can explore difficult topics with honesty and hope.

The CWE Challenge

Our groundbreaking social-emotional learning experience for grades 5–8, featuring story-based scenarios, guided reflection, and creative projects.

Learn More

School & Group Programs

Custom-tailored SEL and self-leadership challenges for classrooms, clubs, and youth organizations with workshop and presentation options.

Explore Programs

What Educators Are Saying

Hear from educators who have experienced the transformative power of the CWE Challenge.

June 10, 2026

A Universe of Connection & Inclusion - A New Strategy

"This resource was used for a girls group,they enjoyed and were very engaged i recommend."

Marilyn G.

Educator

June 5, 2026

Etiquette Tips for Tweens

"The girls enjoyed learning about etiquette. They were engaged from beginning to the end of the lesson."

Marilyn G.

Educator

May 11, 2026

Making the Mind/Body Connection: An Aide For Beginners

"My students loved it, Very engaged, conversation starter, and they highly recommend it."

Christian C.

After School Program Site Supervisor

May 11, 2026

Etiquette Tips for Tweens

"This girls genuinely enjoyed it and were engaged throughout. Used as part of a weekly program that had a very high retention rate week over week."

Christian C.

After School Site Supervisor

May 11, 2026

A Universe of Connection & Inclusion - A New Strategy

"This resource was used for a girls group and the girls genuinely enjoyed it. They were involved and present throughout. As we know being present is hard to have with teens these days."

Christian C.

After School Site Supervisor

March 6, 2026

CWE Student Guide, Activities & E-Book BUNDLE

"We use this material in our afterschool program currently and the students are very engaged and learning more about themselves each day. This material helps them to become independent thinkers as well as addresses their Social Emotional needs"

Deidre J.

Educator

May 19, 2025

A Universe of Connection & Inclusion - A New Strategy

"We used this resource for a girls group and they loved it! All the students were engaged and demonstrated high learning around the content. Educational and engaging is a hard combination to find! I would recommend to anyone!"

Zaira G.

Educator

March 5, 2025

Making the Mind/Body Connection: An Aide For Beginners

"This course was interesting and engaging to students. It raised a lot of questions and created thoughtful conversations."

Nyla H.

Educator

March 5, 2025

A Universe of Connection & Inclusion - A New Strategy

"This resource was spot on and the children were engaging. I recommend this to for all students."

Nyla H.

Educator

January 16, 2024

Making the Mind/Body Connection: An Aide For Beginners

"A great resource for my middle school health class."

Kelly R.

Educator

December 1, 2023

Making the Mind/Body Connection: An Aide For Beginners

"Great resource! Thank you for taking the time to put this together."

Mini STEM

Educator

September 28, 2021

A Universe of Connection & Inclusion - A New Strategy

"Amazing supplemental resource- the students loved it!"

Dawn G.

Educator

2025

"Teaching about values to kids is something that will never be outdated. I focused on preserving most of the original content, an inspiring set of stories and activities that walk kids through a beautiful learning experience that allows them to learn about life and consequences, mainly about what is right and wrong. I updated some words and modified some instructions to make it easier for facilitators and students to follow up. Furthermore, I included some up-to-date new fun and interactive resources that assist students in learning more about the topics included in the course. I enjoyed working on updating JBSI.org's Facilitators Guide and Lesson Plans and contributing to one of the most profound learning experiences for kids that are available out there."

Dr. Francia Hernandez

Education Consultant

Request a Free Program Overview

Interested in learning more about how JBSI can support your youth? Book a time to discuss our programs and approach.

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