The IMSE Foundation, in partnership with Dyslexic Edge, today announced the launch of Books, Bots, and Beyond, an innovative after-school initiative that combines evidence-based literacy instruction with hands-on STEM exploration. The program is designed to tackle the literacy crisis while sparking creativity, problem-solving, and innovation among at-risk students.
Books, Bots, and Beyond combines IMSE’s Orton-Gillingham Plus curriculum with Dyslexic Edge’s dynamic STEM programming to create a model where students strengthen essential reading skills and unlock curiosity and confidence through robotics, AI, and other technology-driven projects. At each site, all participating students take part in hands-on STEM enrichment, while a smaller group students who are struggling to learn to read receive 55 free individualized tutoring sessions annually. Programming is hosted in accessible community-based sites.
The program will kick off with a launch event in Washington, D.C., on October 5, where students will lead adults through a series of literacy and STEM challenges. Guests will experience firsthand the ingenuity and leadership of young learners as they compete head-to-head in robotics builds, literacy games, and other problem-solving activities. The event will conclude with a panel discussion featuring industry leaders and education advocates, who will reflect on the importance of investing in integrated literacy and STEM programs.
“Literacy and STEM readiness are inseparable in today’s world. Books, Bots, and Beyond ensures that every child, regardless of zip code, has access to the foundational reading skills and future-ready learning opportunities they deserve,” said Krista Gauthier, Executive Director of the IMSE Foundation and Founder of Dyslexic Edge. “This is more than an after-school program; it’s a movement to redefine what equitable, future-ready education looks like.”
Following the Washington, D.C. launch, the program is preparing to expand to Buffalo, New York next year, in partnership with SOAR Tutoring, an Impact Partner of the IMSE Foundation, with the goal of expanding nationwide. Through its community-driven model, free IMSE-certified teacher training, and partnerships with nationally recognized organizations, the initiative is positioned to scale as a proven solution to systemic gaps in student achievement.
Community members are invited to attend the free launch event on October 5 in North Arlington, Virginia, from 3-5:30 p.m. You can RSVP here. For more information about bringing Books, Bots, and Beyond to your city, please contact Krista Gauthier, Executive Director of the IMSE Foundation and Founder of Dyslexic Edge, at [email protected].
About IMSE
IMSE, founded by educators for educators, is the leading provider of structured literacy solutions that leverage the best of Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy, rooted in the science of reading to promote literacy. An education pioneer, IMSE has nearly 30 years of experience applying and innovating the science of reading to empower educators through curriculum, professional development, and personal support. IMSE's unmatched training and classroom programs enable a practical approach to teaching reading that furthers equity in literacy learning and has helped millions of students across the country achieve measurable growth. For more information about IMSE, visit: imse.com.
About Dyslexic Edge
Dyslexic Edge is a non-profit leading a movement to develop future STEM leaders by building confidence in students with dyslexia and equipping educators to help them learn. By combining evidence-based language instruction with STEM enrichment, we set the standard for how students with dyslexia should be educated and inspired. Learn more at https://www.sdsquared.org/who-we-are.