REAL Talk is a community-based program provided by the Center for Holistic Development, Inc. (CHD) at several CFY afterschool program sites. The program utilizes a five-unit social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum from Pathways2Success to guide programming. The REAL Talk curriculum is designed to work with middle school students in 6th-8th grade. The goal of the program is to encourage social and emotional competence among middle school youth. Program outcomes identify that youth participants will increase their understanding and management of emotions, set and achieve goals, practice empathy, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Program curriculum is taught by program facilitators that have been trained by CHD. Each REAL Talk curriculum unit is covered in an 8-week session. The five units of curriculum consist of self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, social awareness, and responsible decision making. CHD provides strategies for youth to develop these skills using culturally and developmentally appropriate techniques embedded in their curriculum. Additionally, CHD facilitators create an interactive space for youth to learn through games, activities, appropriate videos, and discussion on current, real world topics or issues. 

Overall, the data collected from pre and post surveys to program participants showed a substantial increase in youth self-awareness, their ability to check in with their emotions, and knowledge of what it means to have good character. Additionally, youth showed a slight increase in their knowledge of core values and ability to practice mindfulness.