Background

In 2025, the Georgia Department of Education (DOE) partnered with the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN) and Unruly Studios to deliver a statewide initiative combining STEM learning and active play. The program provided free access to Unruly Splats, high-quality approachable professional development to implement them, and software aligned to Georgia Standards of Excellence, to afterschool and summer learning sites across Georgia. Unruly Splats are interactive, stompable floor buttons that get students moving while also teaching coding and standards-aligned math.

The goal: expand equitable access to high-quality computer science and math practice while also promoting physical activity and collaboration for rural and underserved communities, all with minimal administrative burden for the DOE.

Challenge for State DOEs

• Equity: Rural and low-income communities often lack access to engaging STEM tools, academic practice, and active play opportunities.
• Capacity: DOE staff worry about workload when rolling out new statewide programs.
• Funding Alignment: New initiatives must fit within federal/state funding streams like Title IV.
• Accountability: State leadership needs clarity that dollars translate into measurable outcomes for both academic and wellness goals.

Solution

The Georgia DOE partnered with GSAN (the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network) and Unruly Studios to run a competitive and accessible application process for afterschool providers statewide.

Key elements included:

• Eligibility Requirements: Sites had to serve K–5 students, designate a local “Unruly Champion,” commit to weekly usage for fidelity, and align with Georgia Standards of Excellence in math and computer science.
• Priority for Rural Programs: The majority of funded sites were rural, guaranteeing impact where it was needed most.
• DOE-Friendly Funding Model: DOE only paid upon confirmed delivery and onboarding, ensuring accountability and transparecy.
• Low DOE Lift: Unruly handled applications, selection rubrics, onboarding, training, shipping, and ongoing reporting.

Implementation

• Rapid Rollout: From contract signing to classroom implementation in under 60 days..
• Scalable Process: Over 47 applications, narrowed to ~19 accepted programs that include 106 afterschool sites through an equitable funnel (info session → application → rubric review).
• Onboarding: Champions attended mandatory 45-min virtual training; Splats shipped immediately after.
• Support: Ongoing PD webinars, a library of 130+ hours of coding and math lessons, plus games that get students moving, and live check-ins with Unruly Studios’ support team.

Results & Impact

• Reach: 106 sites statewide, 35% in rural counties, impacting 7800 total kids.
• Equity: 83% of students served were on free/reduced lunch.
• Engagement: From previous Unruly research (outside this Georgia rollout), 88% of educators reported higher student engagement, and 83% of students said learning was more fun when they could move while learning.
• Rapid Impact: Within 60 days of contract signature, 74% of programs had already begun live implementation live with students. The remaining programs were waiting for the start of the school year and are on track to begin soon.
• Dual Outcomes: Students built coding and math skills while also benefiting from daily physical activity and collaboration with peers. These outcomes align with the state’s vision for both academic growth and healthier, more active kids. 
• Professional Development: Instructors received approachable, high-quality training and ongoing support to confidently integrate Splats into their programs.
• DOE Value: Immediate PR win—Georgia DOE demonstrated support for STEM enrichment and student wellness in rural communities with minimal staff burden.
• Funding Fit: Backed by Title IV professional development dollars. 
• Sustainability: Programs were funded for two full years of implementation and support, providing ample time to demonstrate results for kids, capture measurable impact, and build a strong case for future budget allocations.

Why It Works for State DOEs

• Turnkey Model: DOE funds the program, but logistics, training, and reporting are fully managed.
• ‍Equitable Distribution: Ensures rural and underserved sites are prioritized.
• ‍Standards Alignment: Content tied directly to state academic standards in math and computer science.
• ‍Active Play: Programs promote movement, focus, and collaboration alongside academic learning.
• ‍Fast Impact: Visible results within 2 months of contract signing.
• ‍Sustainable Funding: Designed to fit into existing Title IV or similar streams.

Key Takeaway

The Georgia DOE’s partnership with GSAN and Unruly Splats demonstrates how a state agency can expand equitable access to STEM and active movement, meet federal funding priorities, and see measurable student impact—all without adding staff burden.

This model provides a replicable playbook for other states: fast, equitable, and DOE-friendly.