
About
Who We Are
Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR) has been a leader in resilience-based education for over 20 years, helping young people develop the skills they need to thrive in school, careers, and life. Founded in 1999 by Dr. Gil Noam at Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) and McLean Hospital, PEAR began as the Program in Afterschool, Education, and Research (PAER). In 2007, it became The PEAR Institute at McLean Hospital, and in 2020, PEAR became an independent Benefit Corporation, expanding its reach and impact.
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At PEAR, we believe resilience is the foundation for success—in learning, career readiness, and personal growth. Our work bridges education, youth development, and mental health to help young people build adaptability, problem-solving skills, and confidence to excel in any path they choose. With a strong focus on STEM engagement, we create opportunities for students to connect learning to real-world experiences, fostering curiosity, innovation, and a sense of purpose.
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Our evidence-based models integrate research and practice to strengthen student engagement, academic achievement, and career preparedness. PEAR partners with schools, afterschool programs, and youth-serving organizations across the U.S. and internationally, equipping educators and communities with the tools to support student growth in STEM and beyond.
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Our interdisciplinary team includes educators, clinicians, instructional specialists, and former school leaders—all dedicated to transforming learning environments. Together, we empower students to overcome challenges, explore their passions, and develop the skills and mindset to succeed in their future careers and lives.
What We Do
At Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR), we provide a research-based system that helps educators, schools, and youth-serving organizations understand and support the whole student. Our approach integrates assessments, professional development, evaluation services, and targeted curricula to drive meaningful improvements in learning environments.
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PEAR’s tools and services are designed to measure, strengthen, and sustain student engagement, resilience, and STEM learning. By providing data-driven insights, we empower programs to make informed decisions that lead to continuous improvement and long-term success.
Our Core Offerings
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Assessments – Science-backed tools that provide a clear picture of student strengths, challenges, and engagement:
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Holistic Student Assessment (HSA): Measures resilience, social-emotional development, and well-being.
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Common Instrument Suite (CIS): Evaluates student engagement and interest in STEM.
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Dimensions of Success (DoS): Observational tool for assessing the quality of STEM out-of-school-time programs.
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Professional Development – Training and coaching for educators and youth workers, equipping them with strategies to support student growth and apply assessment insights effectively.
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Evaluation Services – Custom data analysis, reporting, and program evaluation to help schools, districts, and organizations measure impact and drive continuous improvement.
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Targeted Curricula – Evidence-based programs designed to foster resilience, STEM engagement, and holistic student development:
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Clover Groups: Small-group curriculum supporting student resilience through PEAR’s Clover Model.
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Advisory: A structured, strengths-based program for building connections and promoting student well-being.
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Story Powered Circles: A storytelling-based curriculum based on the work of Peter Reynolds that encourages self-expression, empathy, and social connection.
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Beyond offering tools and training, PEAR partners with organizations to support program transformation. Our integrated approach ensures that schools and youth programs have the resources and insights they need to create lasting change. By embedding data-driven decision-making into everyday practice, we help educators and program leaders continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of their work.
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Contact us to explore how PEAR can support your students, educators, and programs.
Where We Work
