Learning & Impact:

STEAM Themes

Each programming year, EducationWorks chooses a theme to guide Out-of-School-Time (OST) content (3-6 p.m.). While STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math — is at the foundation of our program model, our curriculum and supporting activities are created and curated each year to provide our students with fresh and engaging material. We partner with leaders in STEAM, including Philadelphia’s own The Franklin Institute and the National Science Foundation, to ensure that our students have access to high-quality resources and experiences.

For the 2021-2022 programming year, nearly 1,000 students at participating Philadelphia and Camden schools have explored what it means to be a Citizen Scientist. Under this theme, students are encouraged to pursue their curiosity and use critical thinking skills and an inquiry-based approach to find solutions to the everyday problems they see in their communities. With a focus on environmental science and urban agriculture, our students have explored the wildlife, flora, and fauna in their very own backyards; identified pollinators in their neighborhoods; researched trees found during nature walks; and collected temperature data to create their own heat maps.

Learning & Impact:

In-School Supports

In addition to providing out-of-school-time activities, EducationWorks also provides in-school supports that make the school day whole and offer meaningful and engaging activities for students in their school settings. Offered to elementary and middle schools in Philadelphia and Camden, these programs place an EW staff member directly in schools to develop relationships with students, staff, and sometimes even families.

EducationWorks provides structured activities for both indoor and outdoor recess that create safe, healthy, and joyful experiences through social activities that engage all students. Unorganized school recess can lead to fighting, bullying, injury, and other undesirable student interactions. Through socialized recess, EducationWorks’ staff provides engaging and educational recreational activities that also provide opportunities for positive engagement, leadership and character development, conflict resolution, and relationship building.

EW also offers the installation of Restorative Action Centers, which serve as an alternative to suspension and further disciplinary measures. The program engages students individually and in a group settings to find solutions that address the child’s behavior.