Project Brainy

The Institute for the Study of Resilience in Youth (ISRY) - led by Dr. Gil Noam - has partnered with author Dr. Penny Noyce of Tumblehome Books, to develop, deliver, and study STEM curricula to help overcome pandemic-related learning loss. Project Brainy is an out-of-school time curriculum that utilizes the Clover model to engage middle school youth (Grades 6 through 8) in social-emotional development, science learning, and literacy skills while supporting youth mental health.

In this curriculum, middle schoolers will: 

Project Brainy’s out-of-school time (OST) curriculum consists of six 90-minute sessions. We are currently recruiting middle school programs for Summer and Fall implementation (20 programs total).

Does your OST program want to implement Project Brainy?
 CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Summer 2024 Applications are due by Friday, May 17th. Fall Applications are due Friday, August 2nd.

If you have any questions about this project, please email Sabie Marcellus, Project Manager, at srmarcellus@mclean.harvard.edu.

More About Project Brainy:

During Project Brainy’s pilot in 2023, the curriculum was implemented in five OST programs in the Boston area. We have come to recognize that learning and thriving requires the following, which are integrated throughout Project Brainy: Engagement, interest, and even passion in relevant topics with strong relationships; hands-on activities and inquiry to enhance youth voice and identity; experimentation for educators in low-stakes environments such as out-of-school programs; integration of academic content and social-emotional competencies; and combination of different disciplines, such as English Language Arts and STEM. Starting in Summer 2024, we are expanding our reach nationally to support students and facilitators across 20 sites. Click here to apply to become a program partner!

Summary of Benefits:

  • A $1,500 stipend from ISRY through a grant from the Noyce Foundation, provided at project completion.

  • A neuroscience, literacy, and SED-focused curriculum with an accompanying materials list.

  • Active and ongoing professional development and support to implement Project Brainy.

Summary of Expectations:

  • Commit at least one staff member to be trained and to facilitate Project Brainy.

  • Implement the six-session curriculum in the Summer or Fall of 2024.

  • Provide project-related feedback through check-in meetings, virtual observations, and self-report data (for staff and youth).

If you have any questions about Project Brainy,
please email Sabie Marcellus, Project Manager, at srmarcellus@mclean.harvard.edu.