School Partnership Program: Connected Worlds

Three girls in a classroom standing over a table with a handmade map on it
Connected Worlds logo

School & Summer Rising STEM & English Language Learning (ELL) Program

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Young girl reading from a workbook while an older mentor watches

Connected Worlds is an in-school, after school, and Summer Rising English Language Literacy program that improves students' English proficiency through imaginative STE(A)M project based learning.

The thematic focus of Connected Worlds situated in collaborative worldbuilding encourages students to express and share their cultural experiences and identities.

Focusing on interconnected projects from 3rd-8th, students are exposed to a variety of creative and technical skills including circuitry, 2D/3D Design, creative writing, digital technology, and hands-on project making based in STE(A)M and Art.

Since 2023, 4,000+ youth have emerged as English language proficient learners demonstrating that every moment of Connected Worlds is a reminder that communication, community, and curiosity fuels youth’s agency and growth.

Curriculum + Learning Production Framework

Beam Center has created a comprehensive toolkit to support teachers and bolster students’ English language literacy skills using our Learning Production framework

Projects don’t have to look perfect or polished; they are a way to share ideas, thoughts, and experiences. Each project introduces new tools, skills, materials and design challenges for students to learn new skills.

We work with teachers empowering them to learn by building, gain confidence in tools and equipment, and better understand academic curricula integration in project based learning. All of our partner teachers from over 125 partner schools receive resources to supplement their academic in-class lessons. By always beginning with Professional Development sessions with Beam staff and specialists, we design each session for educators to experience and enjoy learning through doing.

We equip teachers with in-class instructional slides focused on literacy lessons and project making, STE(A)M problem solving exercises, comprehensive student workbooks featuring readings, creative writing & design prompts and more curated resources to aid youth in learning. 

Kids' drawings of circuit boards

  • —Melissa J., Teacher

    “It’s been inspiring to see how the program has created real growth for our students—both academically and personally. The combination of engaging lessons and consistent support has made a noticeable difference in their confidence and skills. We’ve also seen measurable improvements in participation, problem-solving, and collaboration dramatically.”

  • —Michelle M., Teacher

    “The program had allowed for students to explore their creativity while learning about outer space. They enjoyed it for the most part mostly because they engaged in conversation and using their hands as opposed to the traditional reading and writing. Very beneficial for entering and emerging ELLs and SWDs.”

School Year Programming

Our projects align with your academic goals–transforming classrooms into spaces all youth can learn and be inspired by.

We work with our school partners year round to bring Connected Worlds’ curriculum into their existing or growing multilingual/ENL classrooms. 

Teachers can be trained to lead teaching instruction themselves, with support from our staff, or in collaboration with a dedicated on-site Beam educator. We adapt the curriculum based on different schools, teachers and youth needs giving students an experience where they can develop their own creativity and linguistic skills.

After School Programming

Connected Worlds can be configured as a STEM (or STEAM) project-based after school program, with the same or refined literacy goals. Whether teachers share/execute our framework by training with our staff, from remote Beam’s Center support, or executed by a team of Beam Center staff, we’ve developed iterations of supplementary hands-on project modules that fit into your curriculum and can be added responsively based on student interests and needs.

After-school Connected Worlds provides more in-depth project based instruction rooted in their own creativity, integration of school instruction, their real world experiences and continual interest in learning outside of the classroom.

This program structure also provides youth opportunities for community building and engagement with artists, other educators, and builders as they learn about future career opportunities and future planning within or outside traditional schooling pathways.

Summer Rising Programming

Beam Center and DYCD partner to engage in a 6-week summer enrichment program for 3rd-8th graders to further their skills learning about hands-on project making.  Throughout the summer, students will engage in three main activities everyday to successfully learn new skills through: workbooks, daily lessons and project building.

  • Stronger STEM Foundation: Helps students better understand and connect key concepts.

  • More Prepared for Projects: Students gain skills and confidence before starting their creative work.

  • Flexible for Teaching: Give educators the necessary resources to execute teaching Connected Worlds concepts.

  • Deeper Learning: Gives students time to practice and understand, not just follow steps.

  • —Evelyn A., Teacher

    “I observed notable improvements in my ELL student’s speaking and writing skills, as they felt encouraged to take risks due to their excitement for the projects.”

  • —Michelle K., Teacher

    “The BEAM program is an impressive initiative that equips young explorers with essential global skills. It fosters problem-solving, analysis, organization, and language development through engaging methods like the arts, storytelling, science, and technology. The program is both inspiring and impactful. I absolutely loved it!”

Resources for Partners

Existing school partners/teachers can access resources here