Since joining Boys Who Write as Director of Curriculum in June 2024, my journey has been one of envisioning, creating, and inspiring stakeholders to believe in a groundbreaking educational program. Boys Who Write is an innovative online program designed to offer boys aged 10-14 live, interactive sessions led by a mentor. Sessions resemble online streams or interactive immersive storytelling. The pilot program we’re building is more than just an initiative—it’s a response to a challenge I’ve witnessed throughout my career as a classroom teacher and curriculum designer: the widening achievement gap between boys and girls in literacy.

For years, I’ve watched boys disengage from reading and writing, falling behind their female peers. This gap doesn’t just affect academic performance; it impacts confidence, communication skills, and future opportunities. Boys Who Write is my opportunity to address this challenge head-on, creating an innovative program that sparks enthusiasm for literacy, fosters creativity, and builds community among boys aged 10-14.

Envisioning a new solution into existence

The work began with designing the pilot program, a task that required imagining something entirely new. Boys Who Write isn’t a traditional classroom or another online course; it’s a dynamic blend of live, small-group mentorship, creative writing activities, and immersive storytelling experiences. Our sessions take inspiration from the engaging formats of gaming streams, travel shows, and role-playing games. This approach transforms literacy from a solitary or academic task into a collaborative, exciting adventure.

An essential part of my role has been inspiring and recruiting stakeholders. Boys Who Write aims to be a partner to afterschool programs, educators, and parents who share our vision of re-engaging boys with literacy. From collaborating with partner organizations like KIPP Schools to building relationships with mentors and writers who lead sessions, every connection strengthens our mission. We’ve designed a flexible program that integrates seamlessly into existing afterschool structures, offering both in-person and remote elements to meet diverse needs.

Why this work matters to me

As an artist, I’ve always been drawn to creating what doesn’t yet exist. This project challenges me to blend artistry with pedagogy, crafting experiences that are not only educational but also emotionally resonant and visually compelling. The curriculum incorporates customizable storytelling tools, online games, and collaborative writing platforms. These tools empower boys to explore their identities, share their voices, and connect with peers in meaningful ways.

The gap in literacy achievement isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reality I’ve witnessed firsthand. Boys who struggle to engage with reading and writing often internalize those struggles as personal failures. By creating a program tailored to their interests and needs, Boys Who Write aims to rewrite that narrative. It’s about more than academics; it’s about fostering a love for storytelling, building confidence, and providing a space where boys can thrive.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work with Boys Who Write is the opportunity to collaborate with two exceptional individuals who bring deep expertise and shared history to this project. Our combined experience and synergy fuel my commitment to creating something truly transformative for boys’ literacy and personal development.

Shaila Kapoor, the founder of Boys Who Write, has been a vital force in bringing this vision to life. I first met Shaila when she and her husband were part of the founding families at Khan Lab School, where I worked to implement a groundbreaking approach to education. Shaila’s passion for individualized learning, her belief in empowering students with responsibility, and her appreciation for big ideas made her an integral part of the success of that innovative project. Her leadership and drive are crucial in shaping the mission of Boys Who Write, ensuring that we emphasize creativity, independence, and accountability for every student.

Alex Hunziker is another collaborator whose contributions are indispensable. Alex and I first worked together at Project Ember, where we empowered kids aged 7–15 to dream big, wield power tools, and build rollercoaster-sized, rideable structures. Project Ember used large-scale, whimsical creations as a stage for fostering personal growth in a vibrant, supportive social environment. During the pandemic, Alex led the development of an online afterschool program for Project Ember, a project I supported as part of the camp’s business development team. I saw up-close Alex’s innovative approach to online programming and his deep understanding of group dynamics left a lasting impression on me and my work in the classroom as well as educational technology tools.

What makes Alex’s contributions to Boys Who Write especially meaningful is his academic background in sociology, with a focus on how recent cultural and online trends influence boys and ideas about masculinity. His insights are invaluable as we design a program that challenges stereotypes and offers boys a positive and empowering community.

Both Shaila and Alex bring unparalleled expertise, creativity, and dedication to this work. Their presence not only strengthens Boys Who Write but also inspires me to invest deeply in realizing this vision. Working alongside collaborators I trust and admire is a reminder of how meaningful it is to take on challenges as a team, and together, we’re committed to building a program that reshapes boys’ educational experiences for the better.

As we prepare to launch our pilot program, I’m energized by the potential impact of Boys Who Write. Our vision extends beyond individual sessions; we aim to build a movement that reshapes how we approach literacy for boys. With every story written, every idea shared, and every connection made, we are helping boys discover the power of their words.

This is just the beginning of the story. I’m grateful to be part of an initiative that combines my passion for education, my love of art, and my belief in the transformative power of storytelling. Together, we’re creating something that’s never existed before—and that’s what makes this work so exciting.