OpenWorld Learning’s programs teach the higher-order skills that have become crucial to success. Students develop basic skills in reading, writing and math, as they develop the core skills of the Information Age—including creative thinking, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, teamwork and leadership. OpenWorld Learning provides students with a fun and challenging introduction to advanced technology skills and deepens their skills in logical thinking, mathematical reasoning and complex communication.

Leading each OpenWorld Learning lab is a team of paid teachers who take joy in teaching and working with youth. Our teachers turn empty computer labs into supportive and challenging learning communities, and they serve not only as teachers, but as mentors and role models to our students — sharing their passion for education and service.

A central element in the OpenWorld Learning model is tapping the power of peer teaching. OpenWorld Learning's paid teachers train a leadership team of 6-8 Student Leaders. OpenWorld Learning chooses Student Leaders who exemplify a love of learning, creativity, hard work and a passion for helping others. This peer teaching model takes advantage of children's natural ability with computers and makes individually guided, hands-on learning possible. It also develops children's teamwork and leadership ability, and creates a powerful and positive peer culture.

OpenWorld Learning's curriculum and web development efforts have received enthusiastic support from Seymour Papert, the MIT professor who invented the Logo programming language at the heart of MicroWorlds. Dr. Papert is one of three leading scientists at the MIT Media Lab who serve on OpenWorld Learning's National Advisory

Inventors: Achieve, Believe, Create—Grades 3^rd-5^th

OpenWorld Learning's original program focuses on engaging disadvantaged elementary school students through a fun and challenging after-school program. Inventors is offered after-school, four days a week for approximately three hours a day. Students in Inventors are able to expand their reading, writing and math skills through the use of an innovative technology-focused curriculum.

Students in Inventors and Inventors Plus learn advanced technology skills that include animation, Internet research, multi-media presentation and computer programming. They learn these skills by creating projects in MicroWorlds — a child-friendly, multimedia authoring tool and computer programming language developed at MIT. It is striking to see the creativity and ingenuity of our students as they use the MicroWorlds computer programming language to create personally meaningful projects in art, animation, multi-media presentation, interactive software and game design.

Inventors Plus—Grades 3^rd-5^th

Inventors Plus is an after school program designed to increase elementary school students' technology and classroom aptitude. Specially crafted to meet the needs of today's students and parents, Inventors Plus integrates computer programming, teamwork, and leadership to develop sophisticated 21st Century technology and life skills for those seeking an engaging and enriching after school option. The curriculum is a customized version of the award-winning OpenWorld Learning program, which has been endorsed by parents, principals, CEOs, community leaders, and even superintendents.

OpenWorld Learning's Inventors Plus program is highlighted by:

• Digital technology designed for children by MIT
• Program runs after school 5 days/week for 3 hours per day
• Learning Lab, Team Energizer, Homework Support
• Results indicate that nearly 3 out of every 4 OpenWorld Learning students show increases in objective test scores in Reading, Writing, AND Math, while OpenWorld parents and students both report an increased interest in learning new things, improved academic performance, and a pronounced decline in behavioral problems

Participation in Inventors Plus is voluntary and available to schools at no cost, with OpenWorld Learning providing all materials, staffing and supervision. Enrollment in this tuition-based program requires a nonrefundable $25 application fee and a weekly charge to parents of approximately $70. Availability is on a first-come, first serve basis and it may be necessary to cap enrollment in order to maintain program quality. Limited full scholarships are available for students qualifying for federal free and reduced lunch. Help enhance student success with a proven program you can trust. Click here to enroll in Inventors Plus.

Discovery: Advanced Technology, Real World Application—Grades 6^th-8^th

Through Discovery, OpenWorld Learning is excited to begin offering services to the often forgotten middle school student. The core of the program is divided into distinctive "Techno Tracks" designed to attract, engage and instruct the middle school student. Additionally, students explore career opportunities within their areas of interest.

Discovery teaches iconic computer programming in an open-ended approach, which supports the development of problem solving skills, project planning and management, as well as, meta-cognition through reflection and feedback. One of our main goals is to keep an inventive, hands-on learning approach to curriculum design and implementation, one that enables children to learn by building, imagining, playing, testing and improving their inventions by sharing it with peers and teachers. Currently, OpenWorld Learning offers tracks focused on robotics and digital arts, which includes stop-motion animation and digital photography with graphic design.