Building Youth Confidence and Resilience Through Wellness Programs
When parents think about preparing their children for success, academics often take center stage. But increasingly, educators and health experts say that wellness programming — combining physical activity, nutrition, and social-emotional learning — is just as critical. For middle and high school students, particularly boys, these programs can make the difference between simply getting through adolescence and truly thriving.
Steve Kiely, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), member of the National High School Strength and Conditioning Association, and head strength and conditioning coach at Boston College High School, has seen the transformation firsthand. He says wellness programming is no longer about just “hitting the gym.” Instead, it’s about helping students learn how to care for their bodies and minds in a holistic way, lessons that last far beyond graduation.
More Than Muscle
For many students, the weight room is an intimidating place. They may feel behind their peers, unsure of how to start, or reluctant to try something new. Kiely notes that often all it takes is an invitation, from a teacher, a coach, or an older student, to welcome them into the space. Once inside, the benefits quickly extend beyond building strength.
“You see the carryover into the classroom,” he explains. “The discipline it takes to show up, train, and stick with a program translates into academic focus and confidence.” He adds that structured physical activity also provides a healthy outlet for stress, helping teenagers manage the pressures of school and social life.
The Nutrition Connection
Another piece of the wellness puzzle is nutrition. At BC High, students are exposed not only to strength training but also to a new “teaching kitchen,” where they learn how to prepare healthy meals. That’s an investment every parent can relate to, Kiely says. “It’s not about building star athletes. It’s about giving kids the tools to nourish themselves so they can show up stronger for their classes, their teammates, and their communities”
Early Exposure Matters
Experts emphasize that starting wellness education in middle school pays off. Students introduced early to safe movement, healthy cooking, or non-traditional activities like yoga or cardio classes are more likely to carry those habits into high school and beyond. “If a seventh grader discovers an activity they love — whether it’s lifting, running, or simply moving with friends — that becomes the foundation for a lifetime of healthy choices,” Kiely says.
Confidence, Community, and Character
According to Kiely, parents often say what they want most is for their children to feel confident in their own skin and connected to a supportive community. Wellness programs check those boxes. For some, it’s about improving athletic performance. For others, it’s about body confidence. And for many, it’s about belonging to a group where effort and encouragement matter as much as results
Ultimately, schools that integrate wellness programming are doing more than creating healthier students, says Kiely. They’re cultivating resilience, discipline, and empathy, traits every parent hopes to see flourish.
“From a parent’s perspective, it’s reassuring,” Kiely reflects. “Your child isn’t just learning math or literature. They’re learning how to move, how to eat well, how to be part of a community. Those are life skills that never leave them”