About Conexiones

Conexiones is an innovative community outreach program designed to help children in underserved communities gain access to high-quality, technology-rich educational experiences. Conexiones was established in 1992 and is a K-12 outreach program of the Arizona State University Applied Learning Technologies Institute (alt^I).

What are the Goals?

Help traditionally underserved children:
• gain a high-quality education,
• prepare for higher education,
• understand the power of media,
• become empowered media users and creators,
• gain 21st century job skills, and
• improve written and verbal proficiency.

Who are the Students?

Many of the Conexiones students represent untapped potential. Despite significant barriers they demonstrate an incredible desire to learn. This “fire in the belly” drives them to seek out opportunities to gain education. Some may struggle in the traditional school setting but they are creative, dedicated and hard working. Conexiones is primarily geared towards those students in the transition grades of 6th through 10th.

What is the Curriculum?

The Conexiones curriculum explores the powerful role of media in student’s lives. Through hands-on activities students learn how to understand, control and create media. Students utilize cutting edge technology to document the impact of media in their world. The activities are all project-based and provide students with 21st century work skills. The curriculum is aligned to the Arizona State Academic Standards, and include an emphasis on verbal, written and visual literacy.

How can you Participate?

Conexiones continues to work with Arizona school districts with migrant programs funded by the Arizona Department of Education. Utilizing other local funding sources, alt^I is seeking to make its media literacy curriculum available to additional students that are traditionally underserved, in both rural and urban areas. This involves transitioning from a summer ASU-based program to a school site-based afterschool program. There will still be opportunities to interact with ASU staff and visit the ASU campus, but the majority of the instruction will take place in schools across the state. Conexiones will provide:

1. Guidance in setting up a program;
2. Recruiting and marketing materials;
3. ASU-based professional development for instructors, in online and onsite formats;
4. An in-depth media literacy curriculum;
5. A collaborative online environment for students and instructors;
6. A gallery to publish student work;
7. Information and assistance for entering film festivals and contests; and
8. Scholarship information

We are eager to partner with schools, districts, and community-based organizations in order to reach additional underserved student populations with a program similar to Conexiones.