Kellogg Middle School in Portland is set to welcome back the SKY Schools Program after a promising trial period last fall. The program’s return this January has been made possible through the Safer Portland Grant 2025, provided by the Portland Office of Violence Prevention. This initiative aims to fund community-based efforts to help reduce violence, with a particular focus on neighborhoods such as Cully, Hazelwood, Eliot, and Powellhurst-Gilbert. According to the program's statement, this round of the grant received 72 applications, competing for a slice of the $1 million funding pool.
The office chose to award $45,000 to the International Association for Human Values, citing the "SKY Breathwork" as an evidence-based and trauma-informed support system for youths in crisis. By doubling down to invest once again in research-backed initiatives like the SKY Schools, the Office of Violence Prevention showcases its dedication to children’s well-being and security in Portland. Last year's trial, which was held from October 14 to 25, managed to successfully reach over 150 students with its curriculum, teaching students how to better manage their stress and increase social connections through the SKY Breathwork™ technique.
Ms. Logan Heyerly, a Health teacher at Kellogg, told the City of Portland’s official website, "I wasn't sure at first that it was going to work out, but by the end of the two weeks, my students had really bought in." Heyerly's statement continued, proudly noting, "The final Friday, they led the whole breathing sequence themselves, and during one of our class periods this week, a couple of students led it again." Furthermore, students have expressed their enthusiasm, with one reporting improved sleep after practicing the breathing exercises at home, and another saying, "SKY is a great idea… I tried it! It does help!"
In the wake of its previous impact, Kellogg Middle School has decided to not just bring the program back for students but also to expand to include educator involvement. A new 7.5-hour SKY Wellness workshop geared specifically toward teachers will also make its debut, promising to equip educators with tools to both manage stress and to also create more resilient classrooms. The importance of this program is underscored by the fact that SKY Schools, managed by the Art of Living Foundation alongside the International Association for Human Values, has already reached more than 173,000 individuals across the United States in its 17 years of operation.
The evidence supporting the SKY Breathwork's effectiveness is clear, with independent studies showing significant reductions in stress and anxiety, as well as noticeable increases in emotional well-being and social connection. Kellogg Middle School's initiative underscores a growing trend of educational institutions recognizing the importance of providing holistic health resources to the entire school community—students and teachers alike—as a means to foster a more positive and supportive learning environment.
