Mind Body Awareness Project

Founded in 2000, the Mind Body Awareness Project (MBA) is an early pioneer in the adaptation of mindfulness-based practices to adolescents. As a 501(c)(3) organization, we deliver mindfulness-based programming to at-risk and incarcerated youth in facilities around the Bay Area and in several other locations nationally. MBA also engages in customized curriculum development and training for youth service providers regionally and nationally.

The heart of MBA’s work is to provide the most at-risk youth in the most difficult environments (probation detention facilities, schools, youth services agencies) with concrete tools to reduce stress, impulsivity and violent behavior and increase self-esteem, self-regulation, and overall well-being. Drawing on the practices of various contemplative traditions, as well as the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction protocol developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn (an MBA advisor), MBA’s program synthesizes best practices from the secular mindfulness and social & emotional learning fields.