Pode Crer

STEAM education for youth from the favelas of Greater Florianópolis

The Pode Crer Project: Believing in the Dreams and Talents of the Future provides STEAM education to youth aged 11-24 from the outskirts of Greater Florianópolis, preparing them for the job market and higher education, especially in technology and the creative economy. Pode Crer's innovative approach blends teaching technology, civics, and leadership through hands-on, practical learning experience

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Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Web presence

2021

Established

1.3K

Children

1

Countries

Target group

Students basic

Updated

October 2024

Pode Crer introduces two key innovations: empowering underprivileged students through hands-on learning and developing essential 21st-century socio-emotional skills. This approach enhances knowledge in diverse fields, especially STEAM, fostering the holistic growth of critical, engaged citizens. Technology is seen as a transformative tool to tackle social challenges faced by the students.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

Youth from favelas of Florianópolis have no opportunity to integrate into society and the knowledge economy. At the same time, tech sector companies face an acute shortage of qualified labor. These same youth lack access to educational opportunities that could support their development, being relegated to underemployment or informality. We created Pode Crer to break this vicious cycle.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

Pode Crer happens across 3 educational tracks for different ages (11-14, 14-17, 17+). The main component of the program are workshops that happen over classes four times a week. Each workshop has around 20-25 students and approaches a blend of topics on technology, civics and leadership. In addition the basis curriculum, there are several activities that students can participate which include:
Field trips to companies, educational institutions and civic organizations;
Advanced technology classes twice a week on ML and web design;
Robotics teams that compete in the First Lego League;
Arts classes an extra day a week;
A social innovation hackathon, in partnership with local technology companies;

The pedagogical emphasis is on socio-emotional development, and on developing youth skills in technology, civics and leadership in an integrated fashion and with project based learning.

How has it been spreading?

Since 2021, Pode Crer has impacted over 1,000 students, with around 25% accessing universities and the qualified job market. This success nurtures a sense of belonging among youth—most of whom are Black—empowering them to contribute to their communities. With the creation of the first Social Innovation Center in the favela, Pode Crer will scale its innovative educational methodology, expanding its capacity to train 500+ students annually. Moreover, Pode Crer is a replicable model of social transformation, with an adaptable approach that enables other organizations to implement similar initiatives, multiplying its impact. This focus on scalability and inclusion highlights Pode Crer’s potential to drive systemic change, addressing educational and workforce challenges.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

If Pode Crer sounds right to you, write to tainara@redeivg.org.br and let's begin talking about how the program structure can be adapted to your reality.

Media

Pode Crer offers a high-quality complementary education for youth from peripheral areas, preparing them for the future job market by focusing on innovation, sustainability, and new skills through learning pathways.

Implementation steps

Search for Partners

Create a support network with technology companies and universities that can collaborate on the project. Local companies can help facilitate connections between educators and job opportunities.

Content Planning

Develop a curriculum that includes technical and socio-emotional skills, focusing on areas such as technology and the creative economy. Make adjustments after connecting with companies and communities to understand the challenges and solutions each of them needs.

Training of Educators

Constant training for educators, equipping them with interactive methodologies and new educational approaches.

Workshops and Experiences

Propose practical workshops that address market demands, promoting activities that stimulate creativity and innovation as pathways for technical visits. Include cultural experiences that broaden students' worldview and repertoire, encouraging active and conscious citizenship.

Adapted Spaces

Classrooms equipped with tools such as computers, 3D printers, cutting machines, among other tools that support the evolution of lessons with safety and best practices.

Social Assistance Monitoring

It is essential that students and their families receive social assistance support to access public policies, as well as assistance in ensuring students' continued participation in the projects.