EmpowerU is a new offering from IVSA that is a supplemental online course designed for students who are looking to build the vital skills necessary to manage anxiety, stress, low motivation, social connections, and mood.  Fully aligned with ISBE standards, all students can earn credit for PE or Health Elective while building resilience. This flexible course can specifically help students who feel anxious in PE class or face non-academic barriers to success.

Any Illinois school counselor or school can utilize this course to help students:

• Build confidence, motivation, self-regulation, and focus- so they can do better in school and life!
• Earn a full semester of PE/Health credit (0.5)
• Recovery credit for a failed PE/Health course 

EmpowerU provides the structure, support, and skills students need to thrive in school and beyond.

• Set and meet health, physical well-being, social, emotional, and academic goals
• Replace negative thinking patterns with confidence and persistence
• Manage stress and anxiety with strategies such as mindfulness and habit tracking and processing difficult emotions in a healthy way.
• Improve motivation, time management, and social connection to stay engaged, confident, and healthy in mind and body.

Why EmpowerU Works

EmpowerU is more than an online course — it’s a proven approach that combines research-backed curriculum with personalized coaching to drive real results.

• Proven Outcomes: Over 93% of students who complete EmpowerU report higher confidence, stronger motivation, and improved emotional well-being.
• High Engagement: Daily 1:1 coaching ensures students stay on track and feel supported every step of the way.
• Evidence-Based: The curriculum is grounded in cognitive-behavioral and resilience-building strategies that translate into measurable academic and personal growth.
• District Tested: Schools across the country are already using EmpowerU to meet credit needs while addressing the growing demand for mental health and SEL support.

Learn about EmpowerU's coaching process through this video.

Who Can Enroll Students?

This program is designed for Illinois educators and leaders who want to expand student options while strengthening resilience and well-being:

• School Counselors – looking for flexible, supportive courses for students with unique needs
• Curriculum Directors & Administrators – exploring credit recovery and supplemental course solutions
• Student Support Teams – seeking research-backed strategies to reduce stress, improve motivation, and increase student persistence
• Parents - looking for ways to support their child's resilience while gaining credit