The AHA Human Connection Lab

Strengthening Youth Connection in a Digitally Overloaded World.

From isolation, anxiety, and digital overload—to connection, resilience, and purpose. Today’s youth are overwhelmed and disconnected. The AHA Human Connection Lab is a neuroscience-based program that empowers young people through emotional intelligence, body awareness, nature, and intrinsic motivation—building inclusive, thriving communities.

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Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Updated June 2025

Web presence

2019

Established

450 2024

1

Countries

Community

Target group

We aim to shift youth from digital overwhelm and disconnection to balance, purpose, and empowered engagement. The AHA Human Connection Lab builds cognitive, emotional, physical, environmental, digital, and spiritual skills —developing the whole person to create a more human, connected, and conscious digital world, boosting digital literacy.

About the innovation

Empowering Human Potential for a More Connected and Compassionate World

We are on a journey to solve a major societal challenge:

What does it mean to be human in a global age of fast-paced technology?

From:

Young people facing:

Digital overload and cyberbullying

Anxiety, depression, and poor mental health

Stress and lack of emotional regulation

Isolation and a diminished sense of belonging

Poor communication and executive function skills

A loss of identity, focus, and intrinsic motivation

A lack of purpose, resilience, and growth mindset

To:

Empowered young people who:

Manage stress and emotions with resilience

Feel connected, confident, and valued

Demonstrate emotional intelligence and empathy

Think critically and solve complex problems

Lead with integrity and purpose

Build executive functions: focus, adaptability, self-direction

Understand themselves in order to connect meaningfully with others

Contribute to inclusive communities and positive social change

Through:

The AHA Human Connection Lab’s holistic, neuroscience-based program that nurtures the whole person using these essential skills:

Human Potential Skills:

Cognitive

Social-emotional

Physical

Wellbeing

Spiritual

Digital

Core Learning Tools:

Emotional intelligence, empathy & compassion

Play, creativity, nature-based exploration

Mindfulness, yoga, journaling, and body awareness

Social impact projects and leadership opportunities

Digital literacy, online ethics, and critical thinking

Self-check-ins and healthy habits (sleep, food, movement)

Understanding brain science: neurotransmitters and neuroplasticity

Supported By:

A growth mindset learning community

Daily movement and reflection practices

Ambassador programs for student leadership

A common SEL vocabulary for youth, educators, and families

A village approach: engaging the whole community to support youth well-being

The Result:

Young people who are resilient, emotionally healthy, intrinsically motivated, and joyful—confident agents of change in their schools and communities, thriving as whole human beings in a digital world.

Media

AHA! The Human Connection Lab

Inclusive classroom design by Anna Lepišová and Nanna Spetz.

The Great Outdoors

Implementation steps

Step by step guide

Begin by assessing youth needs through Learning Hackathons to identify challenges like mental health issues and digital overload. Engage key stakeholders—educators, parents, students, and community leaders—and form an implementation team. Define the program format (after-school, in-school, camp) and set goals such as building emotional intelligence and digital literacy. Plan a timeline, pilot phase, and training. Allocate resources like space, materials, and staff.

Program Introduction and Orientation

Introduce the program by presenting the Human Potential Mindset, highlighting six key skills: cognitive, social-emotional, physical, wellbeing, spiritual, and digital. Engage students and families through orientation sessions designed to spark excitement and build understanding. Create a strong foundation by establishing a culture of safety and belonging, with shared norms centered on respect, openness, and a growth mindset.

Professional Development and Training

Participants receive neuroscience-based training in emotional intelligence, mindfulness, body awareness, digital literacy, ethics, and trauma-informed youth engagement. Ongoing mentorship is provided through peer learning circles and coaching, ensuring continuous growth. Each participant is equipped with a toolkit that includes activity guides, SEL vocabulary tools, and self-check-in systems to support effective and consistent program delivery.

Pilot Implementation

Begin with a 6–12 week pilot in one class, group, or grade level to test the program in a focused setting. Integrate daily practices such as emotional check-ins, mindful movement, creative expression, journaling, and discussions on digital habits. These activities help build self-awareness and connection. Collect feedback through surveys, interviews, and observations to evaluate early outcomes, identify challenges, and refine the approach before scaling.

Scaling Up

Scale up gradually by adding more facilitators, student ambassadors, and participant groups while integrating the program into the school’s culture and curriculum. Launch the AHA! Ambassador Program to train students as leaders of wellness events, peer support circles, and social impact projects. Strengthen sustainability and relevance by involving families and community partners, expanding the support network around youth and deepening the program’s impact.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Track progress using both qualitative and quantitative tools to assess student well-being, emotional growth, social connection, and changes in digital behavior. Encourage regular student self-assessments through check-ins that promote self-awareness and provide valuable insights for facilitators. Share findings through clear, consistent reports to support internal reflection, inform program improvements, and engage key stakeholders in the learning journey.

Reflection and Adaptation

Hold regular reflection circles where staff and students share successes, challenges, and suggestions for improvement. Adapt programming based on real-time feedback, seasonal rhythms, and group needs to keep it responsive and relevant. Celebrate growth through showcases and events that highlight student impact. Maintain a commitment to continuous learning by staying informed on the latest research in neuroscience, SEL, and youth development.