When we think about education, academic achievement and standardized test scores often come to mind.

While these are undoubtedly important, there's a growing recognition that traditional education fails to equip students with crucial life skills.

This educational gap—particularly in relationship skills—leaves many young adults unprepared for the challenges of real-world interactions.

Enter Relational Intelligence (RIQ), a program designed to bridge this gap by teaching students the emotional and social intelligence needed for lifelong success.

The Educational Disconnect

Traditional education emphasizes subjects based on cognitive skills, and abstract skills such as reasoning and critical thinking. However, the development of emotional and social skills—vital components of relational intelligence—often takes a backseat. This disconnect is quite problematic, especially considering that relational intelligence may be the largest factor contributing to...

When George Vaillant first took over the Harvard Study of Adult Development in 1972, he had no idea the profound truth it would reveal.

The study, which began tracking 268 Harvard sophomores in 1938, has become one of the longest studies of adult life ever conducted.

Over 80 years, researchers meticulously collected data on the physical and mental health of the participants. 

What Vaillant and his team discovered was surprising.

The clearest message that emerged from the tens of thousands of pages of data was this:
Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.

The Power of Connection:

The Harvard study revealed that the quality of our relationships at age 50 was a better predictor of health at age 80 than cholesterol levels, exercise habits, or even IQ. Those who were most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest at age 80. Conversely, those who were in unhappy relationships or were lonely had declining health earlier in midlife and even...

When Ethan started his freshman year at a prestigious university, he thought he had it all figured out...

With a stellar high school academic record and an impressive list of extracurriculars, he was ready to take on the world.

But as the semester progressed, Ethan found himself struggling. 

Despite his intellectual prowess, he felt isolated and disconnected from his peers. Group projects were a nightmare, and his roommate conflicts escalated. Ethan's mental health began to suffer, and his grades started to slip. He had the academic skills, but he lacked the relational intelligence to thrive in his new environment.

Ethan's story is not unique. 

Today's young adults are facing a mental health crisis of unprecedented proportions.

According to a recent study by the CDC, more than 40% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a staggering increase from 26% in 2011.

Nearly 25% made a suicide plan, and 10% attempted...