
Curriculum
Rooted in Higher Education and Backed by Science
Originally developed at Duke University, MIEA’s curriculum has reached over 75,000 participants in 15 countries.
Today, it’s trusted by educators, workplace leaders, and researchers worldwide to reduce stress, enhance focus, and build lasting emotional resilience through personalized mentorship and small-group practice.
Get the Science
The Leading Evidence-Based Mindfulness Curriculum for Emerging Adults
Our curriculum’s impact was proven in a randomized controlled trial and published in the Journal of American College Health. Recognized as the journal’s most downloaded article in 2014, this research confirms MIEA’s approach as the gold standard for teaching mindfulness to emerging adults.
Three Components of MIEA’s Curriculum
Our teachers are extensively trained to deliver each component of our comprehensive curriculum, ensuring a consistent and impactful learning experience.
Intro to Mindfulness
4 CLASSES | 60-75 MIN
Teaches core mindfulness skills through live, small-group sessions.
Participants learn practical strategies to reduce stress, build focus, and improve overall well-being.
On Campus (75 mins):
- Taught by certified Mindfulness Teachers
- Supports academic and emotional balance
At Work (60 mins):
- Offered as Steady Professionals™
- Designed for busy teams
- Boosts focus, steadiness, and resilience under pressure
Formerly known as Koru Basic.
Intro to Mindfulness 2.0
4 CLASSES | 75 MIN
A continuation for those who want to go deeper.
- Emphasizes cognitive flexibility, emotional intelligence, and integrating mindfulness into daily routine.
- Expands on the foundation of the Intro to Mindfulness course.
Formerly known as Koru 2.0.
Mindfulness Retreat
1 CLASS | 4 HRS
A half-day immersive experience designed to step away from the noise of daily life, deepen present-moment awareness, and cultivate a lasting sense of inner peace.
On Campus:
- Students recharge and reset.
At Work:
- Offered as Steady Retreat™
- An immersive workshop for professionals and teams to regroup and return with clarity.
Formerly known as Koru Retreat.
Real Stories from Our Students
Hear how MIEA’s curriculum has changed lives—helping students and professionals find calm, focus, and resilience in everyday life.
I went in knowing absolutely nothing about meditation or mindfulness. After 4 weeks of classes and at-home practices, I can say that this program truly helped me work through problems in my life that I never thought I could improve.
Since completing the program, I have achieved more positive results in my academics, personal, and professional life and improved my overall wellbeing and balance.
The weekly meetings made this really effective for me. I have never before been successful at meditating on my own; having the group contact helped.
What Sets Our Curriculum Apart?
MIEA’s curriculum goes beyond typical mindfulness programs, connecting real-life challenges with real-world skills.

- Relevant and Practical
Created at Duke University’s student counseling center, our evidence-based curriculum is designed to meet the unique challenges of emerging adults. Every session is rooted in practicality, mentorship, and measurable results. - Structured for Busy Lives
Four weekly 75-minute classes deliver big impact without overwhelming busy schedules. This concise, focused model ensures learning sticks, whether on campus or in the workplace. - Personalized and Tech-Enabled
Combining personal mentorship with easy-to-use technology, our program helps participants build sustainable habits and manage stress more effectively, wherever they are. - Connection and Community
Small, diverse groups create a sense of shared understanding and belonging. This connection fuels engagement and supports meaningful change. - Skepticism Turned to Motivation
Our approach meets participants where they are, using relatable stories and interactive methods to overcome doubts and build motivation for lasting practice.
Want to experience the MIEA curriculum firsthand?
Join our Fundamentals course, a 5-week introduction where you’ll experience our curriculum and explore our teaching philosophy, tailored specifically for working with 18- to 30-year-olds.