The Need
Introduction to
RIQ: Grad Gateway
A course designed to provide high school seniors with the necessary tools for a successful transition to higher education, productive careers, optimal happiness and well-being.
The Need:
Mental Illness Rising
20%
more than 1 in 5
U.S. Adults living
with a mental illness
(NIH)
33.3%
1 in 3
Age 18-25 prevalence
of mental illness
(Harvard)
Potential Remedy:
Healthier Relationships
Longitudinal Study (85 years)
"What makes people happy is also what keeps them healthy—relationships."
Harvard study found:
  • Those w/ strong social ties were found to live longer.
  • Positive relationships identified as one of strongest predictors of overall well-being and happiness.
More Research
"Satisfying relationships not only make people happy, but they are also associated with better health, and even longer life."
Stanford University
Research has found that people with strong social connections are at lower risk of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, and physical health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
Glimmers of Hope:
Program Development
Programs developing across the country,
under various monikers…

1

ESI
Emotional Social Intelligence

2

SEL
Social Emotional Learning

3

SECD
Social-Emotional & Character Development
The Education Collaboratory at Yale has a mission to:
"advance the science and practice of social and emotional learning."
Opportunity for Class of 2024:
ESI + SEL + SECD = "Relational Intelligence"
A comprehensive educational course designed to develop
Relational Intelligence… or RIQ
Preparing Students
to Maximize Their Potential
Personally… Professionally… Relationally.
1
Supplements outstanding education received thus far.
2
Fills educational gap in standard curriculum.
3
Bridges adolescence into healthy adulthood.
Think of it like…
Preventative Medicine for:
Patterns of failed relationships,
leading to…
  • Stunted academic & professional development
  • Mental health challenges
  • Divorce
  • Isolation & loneliness
  • Increased mortality
Course Curriculum: Overview
This curriculum has been developed to bridge the gap between early-childhood social-emotional
education and the essential skills required to capably navigate early adulthood.

1

2

3

4

1

Resilient Heart
  • Free yourself from your history for unhindered, secure adult bonds
  • Master core values, shame, addictive behaviors, and core identity

2

Creative Connector
  • Embrace the key aspect of interpersonal communication:
    Two subjectivities
  • Practice active listening, healthy conflict resolution, and social media hygiene

3

Modern Romantic
  • Understand when and how to invest in creating a partnership that lasts
  • Develop skills to design healthy boundaries, foster trust, shared values, and mutual respect

4

Indomitable Spirit
  • Clearly identify and impede emotional manipulation & abuse
  • Develop clear agency to develop thriving relationships free of toxic behavior
Benefits of RIQ: Grad Gateway
Practical Tools
More effective communication, conflict resolution, and empathetic connections.
Empowerment
& Confidence
Enhanced self-confidence, resilience, and decision-making abilities for future success.
Holistic
Well-being
Promoting mental, emotional, and social well-being for a balanced and fulfilling relational future.