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Kelly Ferrara Bayne
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Beyond the ABCs: Wyman Helps Teens Learn the
Real-Life Skills They Need to Thrive
Back-to-school preparation should include authenticity, belonging, and connection—not only books, schedules, and supplies
ST. LOUIS — August 10, 2026 — As families check off back-to-school lists filled with notebooks, new shoes, and class schedules, Wyman is calling attention to something teens need that cannot be tucked into a backpack: the skills and support to build healthy, authentic relationships.
Many teens begin the school year carrying loneliness, anxiety, and the pressure to become more independent—all while being expected to make friends, manage conflict, ask for help, and find their place among their peers.
“Young people learn their ABCs and 123s, but we often assume they will somehow learn the skills needed to communicate, connect, and thrive,” said Allison Williams, president and CEO of Wyman. “Those skills are not automatic. They can—and should—be intentionally taught, practiced, and strengthened.”
Wyman’s Teen Connection Project® provides what the organization calls the ABCs of IRL—In Real Life—learning:
- Authenticity: Creating safe opportunities for teens to be themselves and express what they are experiencing.
- Belonging: Helping young people feel seen, valued, and supported by peers and caring adults.
- Connection: Teaching and practicing the communication, trust, and empathy skills needed to build healthy relationships.
“Helping young people build real relationships is not separate from preparing them for school—it is part of preparing them for life.”
Wyman CEO, Allison Williams
The Teen Connection Project is a nationally recognized, evidence-based program for high school students. Through 12 highly interactive lessons led by a trained, caring facilitator, teens practice communication, trust, vulnerability, giving and receiving support, and recognizing their personal strengths.
Unlike the polished—and often misleading—version of connection presented through social media, the program gives teens space to talk, listen, take healthy interpersonal risks and form supportive relationships face-to-face.
A randomized controlled study of the Teen Connection Project found that participating teens reported stronger peer relationships immediately after the program. At a four-month follow-up, participants also showed greater use of social support for coping, increased school engagement and lower levels of depressive symptoms.
“Success for young people does not happen in a vacuum,” Williams said. “A teen who feels isolated or believes they have no one to turn to may struggle to participate, take risks in the classroom, or disengage. Helping young people build real relationships is not separate from preparing them for school—it is part of preparing them for life.”
Organizations or schools interested in bringing the Teen Connection Project to their students can learn more at wymancenter.org/programs/teen-connection-project-tcp.
About Wyman
For 128 years, Wyman has believed in the power of young people. Wyman’s mission is to connect teens to their voices, their strengths, and their futures through proven programs and supports. We are a nonprofit organization driving impact for teens in St. Louis and across the country. Our direct service programs serve more than 1,100 young people each year. We extend our reach through partnerships to serve more than 2,500 young people in the St. Louis area, and more than 25,000 across the country. Learn more: www.WymanCenter.org