Leadership, resilience, and emotional intelligence for students and the adults who support them
State of Becoming partners with schools, youth-serving organizations, and learning communities to help young people build the skills they need to lead, connect, and grow beyond academics alone.
Through engaging, practical experiences, I help students strengthen confidence, self-awareness, resilience, emotional intelligence, and leadership while also supporting the educators and adults who guide them.
Why This Work Matters
Young people today need more than academics to thrive.
They need support in learning how to communicate well, regulate emotions, build confidence, make better choices, and lead themselves and others with greater maturity.
They also need adults who feel equipped to guide that growth well.
State of Becoming is built to support both.
How I Support Schools & Youth
Interactive programs that help students build leadership, resilience, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and practical life skills they can carry into school, relationships, and the future.
Student & Youth Programming
Educator & School Support
Thoughtful support for teachers, staff, and school communities who want stronger classroom connection, healthier communication, greater resilience, and tools that help both students and educators thrive.
Youth Mindset Labs
Weekly or recurring sessions that teach leadership, self-awareness, confidence, and growth mindset through hands-on, practical learning.
Signature Program Areas
School & Learning Center Programs
Tailored workshops and semester-length programming designed to integrate with classroom, enrichment, or after-school environments.
Leadership Launchpad + Becoming Circles
A focused program for high school students to practice leadership, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. Designed to help students launch with confidence into school, community, and future opportunities.
Juvenile Justice Programs
Structured reflection tools and facilitated experiences that build critical thinking, emotional fluency, accountability, and resilience for youth navigating the justice system.
Curriculum Licensing & Family Sessions
Ready-to-use lesson plans, workbooks, and family-facing sessions that reinforce student growth beyond the classroom.
Supporting Educators
Students thrive when educators are supported.
State of Becoming partners with educators to strengthen classroom dynamics, reduce burnout, and build resilience so teachers and staff have practical tools to lead with greater clarity and confidence.
Support may include:
classroom communication and student connection workshops
mindset and resilience sessions for teacher wellness
practical strategies for preventing burnout and sustaining joy in teaching
The Arc of the Experience
Engage
Students and educators are invited into interactive, practical sessions that go beyond lectures. Participation is active, and every voice matters.
Equip
Through leadership practices, resilience tools, and emotional intelligence strategies, participants gain skills they can apply right away in school, at home, and in the community.
Empower
Students leave with greater confidence, stronger choices, and practical leadership tools. Educators leave with fresh insight, stronger strategies, and renewed energy for the work.
Growth does not happen overnight. It builds step by step, and each program is designed to create movement that lasts.
What Partners Are Saying
The Mind Over Mood sessions have been a meaningful addition to our programming. Students consistently engage with Candice’s activities, metaphors, and hands-on tools. We’ve seen increased openness and emotional awareness in the boys who participate.
ShaQiyla Banks, Sr. Independent Living Trainer, Sedgwick County Department of Corrections
Candice Smith has been an incredible partner, delivering State of Becoming mindset programs that align with our community's mission for hands-on, personalized learning.
Through classes like Youth Mindset Labs, Leadership Launchpads, Becoming Circles, and Kindness in Action, she creates spaces where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow. Her interactive activities and storytelling help students practice emotional intelligence, confidence, resilience, and kindness in meaningful ways.
Candice connects naturally with both students and families. She leads with compassion and clarity, empowering young people to recognize their strengths and navigate challenges with confidence.
We are grateful for her dedication to nurturing young leaders and building a culture of kindness. Her work continues to make a profound impact on our community.
Molly Brown, Program and Events Manager, Learning Lab Wichita
Looking for meaningful support for students, educators, or both?
Looking for meaningful support for students, educators, or both?
State of Becoming helps schools and youth-serving organizations build leadership, resilience, emotional intelligence, and stronger learning communities through thoughtful, practical programming.
If you’re exploring support for students, educators, or your school community, share a few details below and I’ll be in touch.