Escola COC São Luís

The Brazilian school using digital literacy to bridge the divide, prepare students for tech careers, and uplift its deprived community

COC São Luís is a private elementary and secondary school located in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. The school integrates UN Global Compact's Educa2030 — a national project of educational innovation, digital literacy, and inclusive learning — into its curriculum with the goal of reducing the digital divide, empowering students for the workforce, and transforming local communities. The State of Maranhão faces significant challenges, with over 60% of the population relying on government support and high levels of poverty. Improving the Basic Education Development Index (IDEB) has been one of the region’s greatest educational challenges over the years.  Aware that education is the path to lasting change, the school directs its efforts toward promoting this transformation.

COC São Luís’ learning model is collaborative and led by students and teachers. It includes project-based initiatives where students develop skills in artificial intelligence, STEAM, and digital literacy, focusing on leadership, creativity, and social impact. An important program is the AI & STEAM initiative, which offers free training to students from local public schools, with courses designed and taught by COC São Luís students, reinforcing education done with students, not just for them.

Through this model, the school’s academic performance has increased by 30%. Training in Artificial Intelligence is currently underway, with the goal of reaching more than 5,000 public school students, as well as over 1,000 professionals in AI, STEAM, and digital literacy. in  and800 women have developed skills through entrepreneurship programs. Alumni continue their studies at prominent universities and contribute to local, national, and global transformations in science and innovation.

COC São Luís leads the largest Educa2030 movement in Maranhão, influencing the state government to consider adopting this curriculum in public schools, which would benefit millions of students. The school’s work has been recognised by organizations such as UNESCO, UNICEF, and the UN Global Compact. Families actively participate in school governance, strengthening a culture of shared decision-making and a sense of belonging. The technological skills developed by students contribute to better employment opportunities and income generation, positively impacting regional socioeconomic indicators.

The groundbreaking movement to offer learning that connects technical innovation and social impact proves that education can break barriers, transform realities, and prepare young people as protagonists of the future.