Our Story

The Beginning of SCCI (/ˈskɪzi/)

It started with a simple question:

“What do young people need to thrive—and what kind of environment makes that possible?”

That’s what co-founders Liz Warner and Patricia Heindel, Ph.D. set out to explore. As respected leaders in the fields of social-emotional learning (SEL) and school climate, they knew the answer wasn’t just a new curriculum or a one-off program. It was something deeper.

Drawing on decades of research and best practices in education, psychology, and child development, they came to a powerful conclusion:

students flourish when they learn in environments that are safe, respectful, supportive, challenging, and inspiring—places where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.

With that vision in mind, they launched the School Culture and Climate Initiative (SCCI)—a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to help schools and districts build strong, connected communities where SEL is not an add-on, but integral to the everyday life of a school.

Turning Vision into Action

From the beginning, SCCI recognized a common challenge: many schools had well-meaning programs and resources in place, but they lacked a coordinated, schoolwide approach.

“SEL might appear in the classroom but not in the staff room, or character education might be taught but not lived.”

– From the field

SCCI set out to change that.

Working hand-in-hand with educators and leaders, SCCI developed a comprehensive, collaborative support system—one rooted in both scholarship and practice.

The challenge

Fragmented Programs

Many schools had well-meaning programs and resources in place, but lacked a coordinated, schoolwide approach.

The Cause

Disjointed Implementation

SEL and culture-building often lived in isolated pockets rather than as part of a shared, sustainable system.

SCCI’s response

A Systemic Approach

SCCI developed a comprehensive, collaborative support system grounded in both research and real-world practice.

A Growing Circle of Impact

As schools began to see real, lasting change, word spread.

SCCI expanded, partnering with schools across the country and evolving its services to meet the complex needs of diverse learning communities.

SCCI’s work has expanded outward from a strong school-based foundation into broader networks, international engagement, and additional youth-serving environments.

Local Schools & Districts

Strengthening climate & culture

Regional & International Growth

Regional partnerships, leadership networks & international educator engagement

Camps & Other Youth-Serving Environments

Expanding into new settings where young people grow & learn

At every stage, the core remains the same: research-informed, relationship-centered support for environments where young people can truly thrive.

Today, SCCI is internationally recognized for its holistic, research-based approach to sustainable school culture transformation. Our reach continues to grow—into the Midwest and, more recently, New England and the Hudson Valley—where regional directors help coordinate efforts and amplify our national impact.

Along the way, we saw something powerful:

the same conditions that help students thrive in schools — belonging, emotional safety, strong relationships, and shared purpose — are just as essential in other spaces where young people grow.

SCCI’s work has expanded outward from a strong school-based foundation into broader networks, international engagement, and additional youth-serving environments.

Local Schools & Districts

Strengthening climate & culture

Regional & International Growth

Regional partnerships, leadership networks & international educator engagement

Camps & Other Youth-Serving Environments

Expanding into new settings where young people grow & learn

At every stage, the core remains the same: research-informed, relationship-centered support for environments where young people can truly thrive.

As a result, this work increasingly extends beyond schools into camps and other youth-serving organizations.

15+ Years

of research-informed practice & partnership.

175+ Schools

supported through our 3-year flagship School Climate Assessment & Improvement Process (SCAIP).

10+ States

reached through growing regional outreach.

15,000+ Hours

of Professional Development delivered to teachers, administrators, parents, & staff.

& Expanding

into camps & other youth-serving communities.

Still Grounded in the Same Belief

Even as we expand, we remain grounded in the same core belief:

that every member of a learning community deserves an environment where they can truly thrive.

SCCI is housed within Saint Elizabeth University’s Center for Human and Social Development, a hub for advancing well-being, SEL, and positive school culture in schools and communities.

This academic home keeps our work grounded in current research and connected to a broad network of tools, training opportunities, and interdisciplinary support.