Escola COC São Luís

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

Escola COC São Luís, an independent secondary school in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, is spearheading a revolutionised learning model that integrates Educa2030, a global project of educational innovation, digital literacy, and inclusive learning experiences, into its curriculum to reduce the digital divide, empower students for a technical job market, and transform local communities. São Luís suffers from profound inequalities. More than 60% of the population is dependent on government support, and there are high levels of poverty and violence, particularly against women. Historically, the region ranked last in the Basic Education Development Index (IDEB). With a belief that education is the only viable path to meaningful change, the school was determined to use learning to bring transformation.

Led by students and teachers, the comprehensive and collaborative model includes project-based learning initiatives where students are taught critical skills in AI, STEAM, and digital literacy that emphasise leadership, creativity, and large-scale social impact. One of the school’s most ambitious and impactful programmes is the AI & STEAM initiative, where public school learners from local community schools get free training in AI technologies. Led by Escola COC São Luís students who are given ownership over the course creation process, choosing the themes, and designing the lessons, learning is shared with public school peers. The goal is to do education with students, not for them, driving team spirit that brings families, teachers, and students together to bridge the knowledge gap for underserved communities. This project has transformed educational pathways for many students by instilling the importance of lifelong learning and positioning them as knowledge leaders.

Through the transformative model, academic performance has increased by 30%. More than 5,000 public school students have received free AI training, over 1,000 employees from large companies have received training in AI, STEA, and digital literacy, and 800 women have developed skills in entrepreneurship programmes. Alumni often move on to study at world-renowned tertiary institutions and are leading transformations in Maranhão, Brazil, as well as globally, in critical areas of innovation and science.  The school created the largest Educa2030 movement in Maranhão, leading to the government evaluating the adoption of its curriculum throughout the public education system, which will benefit millions of students. The school’s impact has been recognised nationally and internationally by organisations such as Unesco, UNICEF, and the UN Global Compact. Families actively participate in formulating school policies and teaching strategies, driving a culture of shared decision-making and ownership, and the advanced tech skills that students emerge with have improved job and income generation, and helped the region improve its indicators.

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