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The FutureMakers Curriculum

A 3-year journey from first line of code to autonomous drone programming

Rigorous. Standards-Aligned. Culturally Grounded.

The FutureMakers program is not a club. It is a rigorous, standards-aligned academic program built on three years of scaffolded learning. Students who complete all three years graduate with approximately 360 hours of technical instruction—equivalent to several college-level computer science courses.

Three Years. Three Milestones.

Grade 6

DISCOVER

Foundations of Code & Logic

  • Block coding → Python fundamentals
  • Data structures & variables
  • Community data projects
  • "Mi Barrio, Mi Datos" capstone
  • Demo Day presentation
Grade 7

CREATE

AI, Machine Learning & Robotics

  • Intermediate Python & APIs
  • Machine learning intro with Teachable Machine
  • AI ethics tribunal project
  • LEGO SPIKE Prime robotics engineering
  • "Streets of South LA" robot challenge
Grade 8

LEAD

Drones, Data Science & Entrepreneurship

  • Python data science (Pandas, Matplotlib)
  • DJI Tello drone programming
  • Advanced robotics (Raspberry Pi + CV)
  • FutureMakers Launchpad capstone pitch
  • Portfolio completion & college prep

What Makes Us Different

We don't remediate. We accelerate.

Culturally Centered

Latino and Black characters, South LA problems, bilingual platform, and stories that matter to our students.

Project-Based

Students build real things every quarter. No multiple choice tests. Portfolio-ready work that shows employers what they can do.

College-Aligned

Maps to AP Computer Science Principles. Portfolio-ready by 8th grade. Pathways to AP, dual enrollment, and beyond.

Equity Through Excellence

We don't lower the bar. We give students the ladder. Rigorous content + culturally sustaining pedagogy = power.

Taught by History

Powered by representation. Every unit features a CS Hero—a real Latino or Black scientist, engineer, or AI researcher whose work connects directly to what students are learning.

Katherine Johnson

Mathematician, NASA

Pioneering computational work behind Apollo missions. Human computer who proved precision and excellence.

Mark Dean

Computer Scientist, IBM

Co-creator of the ISA bus. Co-holder of 50+ patents. Shaped the architecture of modern computing.

Gladys West

Mathematician, GPS Pioneer

Key programmer behind GPS technology. Work that literally mapped the world and changed navigation forever.

Timnit Gebru

AI Ethics Researcher

Founder of DAIR, advocate for responsible AI. Leading conversations about bias, data, and justice in AI.

Joy Buolamwini

AI Researcher, Poet

Founder of Algorithmic Justice League. Exposed racial bias in AI systems. Fighting for digital equity.

Wanda Austin

Engineer, The Aerospace Corp

Systems engineer driving space research. First African American woman to lead Aerospace Corporation.

From 6th Grade to College-Ready

A clear pathway to success

Year 1: Foundation

Students build CS vocabulary, create first portfolio entries, and develop growth mindset around debugging and problem-solving.

Key outcome: Fluency in computational thinking and basic Python. Confidence in facing complex problems.

Year 2: Alignment

Curriculum directly aligns to AP CSP standards. Students build AI ethics framework and connect with industry speaker series.

Key outcome: Ready for advanced coursework. Understanding of AI implications. Network with STEM professionals.

Year 3: Launch

  • ✓ Portfolio Completion
    Capstone projects, code samples, documentation
  • ✓ AP CSP Ready
    Full preparation for AP exam or dual enrollment
  • ✓ Industry Certifications
    CompTIA A+, Google Cloud, and others
  • ✓ College Essay Material
    Stories to tell, accomplishments to highlight

How Students Learn

A mix of modalities for deeper understanding

Game-Based Learning

Engaging storylines and levels that teach content through play. Fun doesn't mean easy—challenges scale to the student.

Collaborative Projects

Students work in teams, critique each other's code, and learn that best solutions come from diverse perspectives.

Hands-On Building

Real hardware, real code, real impact. LEGO, Raspberry Pi, drones—students see their code come to life.

Expert Conversations

Monthly speakers, panel discussions, and Q&A with working engineers, data scientists, and entrepreneurs.