The Career and Success Academy Network of Public Schools (CANOPS) in South Bend, Indiana, is a zero-tuition public school system dedicated to empowering K-12 students to achieve their full potential. With a mission to provide students with the tools they need to succeed academically and professionally, CANOPS has taken bold steps to enhance its STEAM education offerings.

A Vision Beyond Education

“Our vision extends far beyond just education,” says Dr. Aaron Esper, Director of CTE and Special Projects at CANOPS. “It’s about giving students everything they need to succeed and accomplish their academic goals.”

Formed by community members and authorized by Trine University’s Education One, CANOPS primarily serves students from South Bend Public Community School Corporation’s (SBCSC) Empowerment Zone. The school system was established in response to a potential state takeover, with a focus on revitalizing struggling schools and empowering a disenfranchised community.

Enhancing Computer Science Pathways

With five schools and 1,750 students, CANOPS sought to strengthen its high school computer science pathway. The goal was to offer more opportunities for students to earn certifications and explore career options aligned with the real world. This initiative supports the school system’s broader mission of preparing students for diverse post-graduation paths, whether that’s attending college, entering trades, or joining the workforce.

To achieve this, CANOPS implemented the TinkRworks STEAM curriculum across grades K-8. The results were immediate and impactful.

Immediate Impact: Increased Engagement and Teacher Support

After integrating TinkRworks, CANOPS saw a 30% decrease in disciplinary referrals and an 80%-90% on-task rate among students. Teachers found the platform easy to use, with comprehensive training that boosted their effectiveness in delivering STEAM lessons. The curriculum also fostered cross-curricular connections, particularly between science and computer science, enriching the overall educational experience.

Building Confidence and Exploring Career Paths

TinkRworks provided students with hands-on projects that not only built confidence but also allowed them to explore potential careers in technology. The platform’s flexibility and differentiation made it suitable for all learning levels, enabling high achievers to soar while supporting students who needed additional help.

Teachers Embrace TinkRworks

CANOPS teachers praised TinkRworks’ professional development resources, describing the training as some of the best they’ve ever received. The “train the trainer” approach also ensured a smooth rollout, with trained coaches available to support classrooms as needed.

Dr. Esper highlights how TinkRworks has opened students’ eyes to the connections between computer science education and future career opportunities. “The freedom of the projects lets your high achievers soar, but the platform builds in differentiation so everyone can benefit from it,” he says.

Learn More

Discover the full success story of how CANOPS transformed STEAM education with TinkRworks. Read more here.