Level Up Philly Independent Study
Level Up Philly’s Independent Study program empowers students to dive into topics they’re passionate about in a 6-month, self-paced journey. Through personalized guidance, they explore and research, complete hands-on projects, and build a portfolio. Earn rewards, gain real-world skills, and create a portfolio that highlights your unique journey of discovery and growth!
Helping Youth Unlock Potential & Futures in STEM
The Level Up Philly Independent Study program offers students the unique opportunity to explore their passions, develop essential skills, and complete impactful projects in a supportive and collaborative environment. Discover your path, drive your learning, and make a difference with us.
Level Up Philly’s Independent Study program is committed to empowering youth by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and real-world experiences necessary to thrive in STEM. By fostering a supportive environment for exploration and innovation, we help students turn their passions into impactful projects that contribute to their communities and beyond.
About the Independent Study Program
The Independent Study program at Level Up Philly is designed to provide students with a personalized educational experience. Through a guided process, students identify areas of interest, develop a research plan, and execute a portfolio project over six months. Our program fosters creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills.
Philadelphia faces significant educational challenges, with substantial gaps in literacy, college enrollment, and overall educational attainment. With 22% of adults lacking basic literacy skills and 52% considered functionally illiterate, the need for improved educational opportunities extends across all age groups. Third-grade students, a crucial phase for literacy development, exhibit concerning performance, with over 30% scoring at the lowest ‘below basic’ level on standardized exams. Additionally, only 25% of public school students go on to enroll in college, and of those, just 10% earn a degree, indicating significant barriers to higher education. Furthermore, Philadelphia ranks 92nd out of the 100 largest U.S. cities in educational attainment, with only 28% of residents aged 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. These statistics underscore the urgent need for programs like Level Up Philly’s Independent Study, which aims to address these disparities by providing personalized educational experiences and fostering the skills necessary for success in STEM and beyond.
Outstanding Achievements
See What Our Students Have Accomplished
Our students have tackled a wide range of fascinating and impactful projects. From addressing food deserts through vertical gardening to using AI in game design to combat world hunger, their work showcases innovation and dedication.
Vertical Gardening to Reduce Food Deserts
Students developed sustainable vertical gardening systems to increase access to fresh produce in urban areas, combatting food insecurity.
AI Game Design to Address World Hunger
Through innovative game design, students used AI to create engaging simulations that raise awareness and propose solutions for global food scarcity.
AI Analysis of the Human Heart
Advanced AI techniques were applied to analyze heart function, contributing to early detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Robots and AI in the Workforce of the Future
Students explored the impact of robotics and AI on employment trends, predicting and preparing for the workforce of the next decade.
How Independent Study Works
The Independent Study program is a structured yet flexible journey that guides students from idea to execution. Follow the steps to see how students engage with their projects.
- Step 1: Fill Out the Topic Survey - Students begin by completing a topic survey to identify their interests and passions.
- Step 2: Get Your Topic with AI - Our AI-powered system generates a personalized topic based on students' responses.
- Step 3: Research and Explore - Students conduct in-depth research on their chosen topic, documenting their findings and insights.
- Step 4: Create a Project Roadmap - A detailed roadmap is developed to outline goals, timelines, and milestones for the project.
- Step 5: Check-In with Your Mentor - Regular check-ins with mentors ensure students stay on track and receive guidance.
- Step 6: Perform and Report on Your Project - Students execute their projects and present their findings in a comprehensive report and portfolio.
Explore the Program
Access Resources, Guidelines, and More
Ready to dive deeper into the Independent Study program? Visit our course website for detailed instructions, resources, and support materials.
More Coming Soon!
At Level Up Philly we’re dedicated to empowering Philadelphia’s youth, ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to unlock their potential through access to emerging technologies.
By fostering digital literacy and preparing students for the AI-powered workforce, we not only equip them with essential skills for high-earning careers but also build their confidence to pursue their passions.
Our independent study program bridges the gap between potential and opportunity, enabling students to turn their dreams into reality and contribute to a brighter, more equitable future.
Together, we are shaping the next generation of innovators and leaders who will make a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.