It’s been a great year for Schools That Can. Our programming has impacted students across the country, we’ve grown our team, and we’ve been laying the foundation to take the next steps in spreading real-world learning. As we get ready for the summer, we’ve rounded up a year in review, filled with highlights from across our cities. Read on to see how our Professional Learning Groups (PLGs), K-8 Building Real-World Learning programs, and 9-12 STC Career Skills programs have been going across the country, and be sure to follow us on social media to stay updated throughout the summer!


NEWARK

Today, STC Newark’s network is providing real-world learning to more than 17,000 students! This year, educators from 9 schools have driven change in their schools through our two PLGs, 10 high schools participated in the 3rd Annual Bridging the e2e Gap and sent students to externships, and our Career Skills program expanded to include 11th graders who developed technical skills and earned college credit.  And finally, as part of the Victoria Foundation Public School Grants Program, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to present $200,000 in grants to five Newark schools that are expanding college access and success.

NEW YORK

STC NYC ended the year with a bang by hosting its 1st Annual NYC Design Day Challenge, where students designed a Makerspace for Central Park. This challenge was presented by Matthew Washington, Deputy President in the Manhattan Borough President’s office. Speaking of making, we loved this feedback on our Maker Fellows Program from a 5th grader: “The teachers give us freedom. I like because it makes me feel that there are no limits.” STC also received a National Science Foundation to study the integration of computational thinking and maker education into elementary science classrooms. As a result, we will triple the reach of our maker programming next year.

ST LOUIS

This year, STC St. Louis hosted 6 school study tours, representing each of the six strands of the Real-World Learning Rubric. Additionally, 4 cross-sector schools participated in our Real-World Learning PLGs and worked to expand RWL in their schools. We also partnered with Connected Learning to host two ReversED Pitches at Venture Cafe. Looking to next year, we are excited about the prospect of bringing an e2e program to St. Louis to more effectively connect with local companies for career programming and partnerships!

CHICAGO

This spring, STC Chicago hosted the 4th annual High School Exploration Event, which brought together 300 7th graders from 9 elementary schools to hear from a range of representatives about their high school choices! Additionally, we’ve seen an increase in participation in programming, including 16 schools participating in PLGs and collaborating with 7 local nonprofits. We also had a successful Monday Night Football event in January…and of course, hosted this year’s STC National Forum!

PITTSBURGH

Coming off the heels of a fantastic STC Forum in Spring 2017, STC Pittsburgh has been actively cultivating relationships with new schools, districts, and local partners. We hosted a few study tours to highlight various elements of Real-World Learning, and have been actively planning to launch some exciting programming in Fall 2018, including STC Career Skills programming in 3 high schools, a PLG and a Design Day.

Nationally, STC…