My journey as Director of Curriculum began in June 2024, and since then we’ve made tremendous progress in establishing BWW as a transformative force in boys’ literacy education. Over the past year, we’ve carefully assembled a dedicated team of educators, curriculum specialists, and creative professionals who share our vision. Together, we’ve developed a flexible, engaging curriculum that blends live mentorship with game-inspired learning and digital storytelling techniques. Boys Who Write is an innovative online program designed to offer boys aged 10-14 live, interactive sessions led by a mentor. Sessions resemble online streams or interactive immersive storytelling. The pilot program we’re building is a response to a challenge I’ve witnessed throughout my career as a classroom teacher and curriculum designer: the widening achievement gap between boys and girls in literacy.
For years, I’ve watched boys disengage from reading and writing, falling behind their female peers. This gap doesn’t just affect academic performance; it impacts confidence, communication skills, and future opportunities. Boys Who Write is my opportunity to address this challenge head-on, creating an innovative program that sparks enthusiasm for literacy, fosters creativity, and builds community among boys aged 10-14.
Envisioning a new solution into existence
The work began with designing the pilot program, a task that required imagining something entirely new. Boys Who Write isn’t a traditional classroom or another online course; it’s a dynamic blend of live, small-group mentorship, creative writing activities, and immersive project experiences. Our sessions take inspiration from the engaging formats of gaming streams, travel shows, and role-playing games. This approach transforms literacy from a solitary or academic task into a collaborative, exciting adventure.
An essential part of my role has been inspiring and recruiting stakeholders. Boys Who Write aims to be a partner to afterschool programs, educators, and parents who share our vision of re-engaging boys with literacy. Our efforts have attracted valuable partnerships, including our first in-practice partnership with KIPP Schools, where we’ve found enthusiastic allies in our mission to reengage boys with literacy. These collaborations have been instrumental in refining our model and preparing for broader implementation.
This summer, BWW achieved a significant milestone with our first proof-of-concept pilot, engaging boys aged 10-14 in an innovative fusion of literacy, technology, and creative expression. From June through July, participants immersed themselves in a dynamic curriculum that redefined what writing education could be, producing remarkable outcomes that validate our unique approach.
Students explored multiple creative dimensions during the pilot program. They composed original music using digital platforms Scratch and Soundtrap, with several tracks making their way to Spotify. Interactive storytelling took center stage as participants coded their own choose-your-own-adventure games and crafted story dice to enhance narrative construction. The program also featured podcast production and inspiring sessions with guest speakers from various creative fields, giving students real-world connections to complement their learning.
The results were compelling. Our pre- and post-assessments demonstrated a 25% improvement in middle school literacy standards, while the DESSA-MINI assessment showed measurable growth in social-emotional learning competencies. These outcomes powerfully illustrate how our methodology resonates with young male learners.
Why this work matters to me
As an artist, I’ve always been drawn to creating what doesn’t yet exist. This project challenges me to blend artistry with pedagogy, crafting experiences that are not only educational but also emotionally resonant and visually compelling. The curriculum incorporates customizable storytelling tools, online games, and collaborative writing platforms. These tools empower boys to explore their identities, share their voices, and connect with peers in meaningful ways.
The gap in literacy achievement is a reality I’ve witnessed firsthand. Boys who struggle to engage with reading and writing often internalize those struggles as personal failures. By creating a program tailored to their interests and needs, Boys Who Write aims to rewrite that narrative. It’s about more than academics; it’s about fostering a love for storytelling, building confidence, and providing a space where boys can thrive.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work with Boys Who Write is the opportunity to collaborate with two exceptional individuals who bring deep expertise and shared history to this project. Our combined experience and synergy fuel my commitment to creating something truly transformative for boys’ literacy and personal development.
Shaila Kapoor, the founder of Boys Who Write, has been a vital force in bringing this vision to life. I first met Shaila when she and her husband were part of the founding families at Khan Lab School, where I worked to implement a groundbreaking approach to education. Shaila’s passion for individualized learning, her belief in empowering students with responsibility, and her appreciation for big ideas made her an integral part of the success of that innovative project. Her leadership and drive are crucial in shaping the mission of Boys Who Write, ensuring that we emphasize creativity, independence, and accountability for every student.
Alex Hunziker and I first worked together at Project Ember, where we empowered kids aged 7–15 to dream big, wield power tools, and build rollercoaster-sized, rideable structures. Project Ember used large-scale, whimsical creations as a stage for fostering personal growth in a vibrant, supportive social environment. During the pandemic, Alex led the development of an online afterschool program for Project Ember, a project I supported as part of the camp’s business development team. I saw up-close Alex’s innovative approach to online programming and his deep understanding of group dynamics left a lasting impression on me and my work in the classroom as well as educational technology tools.
What makes Alex’s contributions to Boys Who Write especially meaningful is his academic background in sociology, with a focus on how recent cultural and online trends influence boys and ideas about masculinity. His insights are invaluable as we design a program that challenges stereotypes and offers boys a positive and empowering community.
Both Shaila and Alex bring unparalleled expertise, creativity, and dedication to this work. Their presence not only strengthens Boys Who Write but also inspires me to invest deeply in realizing this vision. Working alongside collaborators I trust and admire is a reminder of how meaningful it is to take on challenges as a team, and together, we’re committed to building a program that reshapes boys’ educational experiences for the better.
Expanding Our Impact
Building on our successful summer pilot, we’re excited to announce new initiatives launching this fall. We’ll be continuing our partnership with KIPP Schools through expanded pilots in California and Texas locations. Additionally, we’re proud to introduce our first international program through a partnership with a private school in India, marking an important step in our global vision for transforming boys’ literacy education.
The persistent literacy gap between boys and girls affects self-confidence, communication skills, and future opportunities. Boys Who Write addresses this issue head-on by creating learning experiences that are genuinely engaging, collaborative, and relevant to today’s youth. Our summer pilot’s success proves that when presented with the right approach, boys not only improve their literacy skills but also develop greater confidence in their creative abilities.
As we look to the future, we’re energized by the potential to scale our impact. With a proven model, a growing network of partners, and an increasingly robust team, we’re positioned to make meaningful changes in how boys experience and embrace writing.
Join Our Movement
We invite educators, parents, and organizations to learn more about our work and explore partnership opportunities. Visit our website at www.boyswhowrite.org or contact us directly to discover how you can be part of this important initiative to transform boys’ literacy education.
This is just the beginning of an exciting journey, and we look forward to sharing many more successes in the months and years to come.