Summary

This year, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) partnered with the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN) and Unruly Studios to launch a statewide initiative that brought Unruly Splats to afterschool and summer programs across Georgia. Unruly Splats are an active learning platform that combines coding, math, and movement, giving thousands of K–5 students the chance to build skills while playing, stomping, and collaborating. In just weeks, sites across the state were up and running—expanding access to STEM learning and active play, especially in rural and underserved communities.

About the Customer

The Georgia Department of Education oversees public education for 1.7 million students across the state. In partnership with the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN), they support a wide range of out-of-school learning opportunities. Together, they partnered with Unruly Studios to expand equitable access to coding, math, and movement for K–5 learners through afterschool and summer programs.

The Challenge

State DOEs face unique challenges when rolling out new initiatives:

• Equity: Rural and low-income communities often lack access to engaging STEM and active learning opportunities. Many of the students served across Georgia’s afterschool programs qualify for free or reduced lunch, making equitable access a top priority.
• Capacity: Minimizing the staff burden of managing large-scale statewide rollouts.
• Funding Alignment: Meeting Title IV and federal/state funding requirements.
• Accountability: Proving that investments lead to measurable student outcomes.

For GaDOE and GSAN, the goal was clear: create a turnkey program that could quickly reach hundreds of sites, boost student engagement, and show results in both academics and wellness.

The Solution

To meet this challenge, GaDOE and GSAN partnered with Unruly Studios to launch a competitive application process for afterschool providers statewide.

Key elements included:

• Clear eligibility requirements (K–5 focus, local “Unruly Champion,” weekly use commitments).
• Priority given to rural sites and underserved communities, many serving majority free/reduced lunch populations.
• DOE-friendly funding: GaDOE only paid upon confirmed delivery and onboarding.
• Minimal DOE lift: Unruly managed applications, selection, training, shipping, and reporting.

Implementation moved quickly—over 100 applications were reviewed, ~70 sites were selected, and within 30–60 days programs were stomping Splats with students. Educators received professional development, 130+ hours of curriculum, and ongoing support, making integration simple and approachable.

The Results

• Reach: ~70 programs across Georgia, serving more than 7,000 students.
• Equity: Majority of participating sites were rural and served high percentages of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch.
• Speed: 74% of programs launched within the first 30 days of contract signing.
• Engagement: From prior Unruly research, 88% of educators report higher engagement, and 83% of students say learning is more fun when they can move.
• Dual Outcomes: Students built coding and math skills while also getting daily physical activity and collaboration with peers.
• Sustainability: Funded for two years under Title IV, providing long-term support and measurable impact.

As Patrice Holt, Quality Manager at GSAN, put it: “This partnership helps kids move, connect, and build STEM skills that will serve them long after the school day ends.”

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