AHC students smile during a STEM activity with their clock powered by a lemon.
October 16, 2024
Dyslexic Edge, a leader in providing reading intervention and STEM enrichment to students in the D.C. region, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC), the Booz Allen Foundation, and the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) to launch an innovative afterschool program called the Dyslexic Edge Academy aimed at enriching the lives of local students.
This groundbreaking program will provide students in grades 1-3 with critical reading intervention using the IMSE Orton-Gillingham evidence-based reading instruction and the Dyslexic Edge state-of-the-art STEM enrichment in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where they can develop academic, social, and personal skills. The collaboration leverages the strengths of all organizations to offer a comprehensive curriculum that will aid these students in reaching their full potential and give them access to previously inaccessible critical interventions.
Key Program Highlights
Academic Support: Qualified tutors and volunteers will provide one-on-one reading intervention using the Orton Gillingham-based Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) curriculum.
STEM Enrichment: A wide range of science, technology, engineering, and math activities to promote confidence and exposure to various topics.
Teacher Training: Through this program, education students and teachers will complete the IMSE OG Comprehensive + training, increasing its impact exponentially.
Krista K. Gauthier, Founder and Executive Director of Dyslexic Edge, said, “This dynamic partnership will allow us to fulfill our mission to provide these services to children who previously had no access. We are excited to be teaming up with AHC and the Booz Allen Foundation with the support of IMSE to make this dream a reality and are beyond grateful for their partnership. “
“This exciting partnership complements our current literacy program by incorporating STEM activities with our young learners,” said Milenka Coronel Samey, Director of Education for AHC. “Adding STEM to our curriculum helps students learn skills that are essential to 21st-century learning, including problem-solving and critical thinking.”
Christine Hoisington, Executive Director of the Booz Allen Foundation, added, “The Booz Allen Foundation empowers people to break the cycle of structural inequity-caused impediments through technology and innovation. We are proud to partner with Dyslexic Edge to continue to provide STEM enrichment opportunities for students from historically marginalized communities.”
Jeanne Jeup, IMSE CEO and Co-Founder, added, “IMSE is honored to be partnered with Dyslexic Edge, Affordable Homes & Communities, and the Booz Allen Foundation to provide impactful literacy instruction that is changing the lives of all students and is what is necessary for students with dyslexia. IMSE provides the knowledge and tools to empower teachers to teach all students successfully, and we are grateful to support this afterschool program, the Dyslexic Edge Academy."
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About Dyslexic Edge
Founded in 2016, Dyslexic Edge is leading a movement to develop future STEM leaders and entrepreneurs by building confidence in students with dyslexia and equipping educators to help them learn.
Since its founding, Dyslexic Edge (incorporated as Sliding Doors STEM & Dyslexia Learning Center) has helped over 150 students, hosted numerous conferences and events, and partnered with a wide range of organizations, companies, and government agencies. Its ultimate goal is to level the playing field for ALL students with dyslexia.
About Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC)
AHC is a nonprofit developer that creates and preserves affordable and mixed-income housing in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Since 1975, AHC has developed more than 8,400 apartments in 54 communities. AHC builds opportunity by creating quality homes with holistic resident services. AHC connects residents of all ages with onsite services that help transform lives, provide housing stability, and advance the economic resiliency of entire communities. Its year-round education programs support 300-plus youth in grades 1-12.
About Booz Allen Foundation
As innovations like artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and cyber transform our world, the demand for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals is increasing exponentially. Closing this gap is an urgent challenge—and a unique opportunity to build a more equitable workforce. The Booz Allen Foundation is using technology and innovation to seize this opportunity by improving social structures in traditionally underrepresented communities, empowering people to break the cycle of structural impediments, and building generational resilience.
About the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education
IMSE, founded by educators for educators, is the leading provider of a Foundational Core Curriculum that leverages the best of the science of reading and Orton-Gillingham to promote literacy. An education pioneer, IMSE has nearly 30 years of experience applying and innovating the science of reading to empower educators through curriculum, professional development, and personal support. IMSE's unmatched training and classroom programs enable a practical approach to teaching reading that furthers equity in literacy learning and has helped millions of students across the country achieve measurable growth. For more information on IMSE, visit imse.com.
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Media contact: Jennifer K. Smith, AHC, Director of Communications, Affordable Homes & Communities, 571-556-7403