Bring Global Citizenship and SSELA learning into your classroom with

Connecting With Communities Around the World

Collaborating to Learn about Geography, Humans, and the Environment in New York & Kenya

Registration is now open for our session running January 29, 2024 to February 23, 2024. Please fill out the form to register.

Contact us today to learn more!

Our Mission

The mission of Level Up Village, based in Tarrytown, New York, is to globalize the classroom and facilitate meaningful collaboration between students from around the world through innovative enrichment courses. Since 2012, we’ve paired over 1000 classes in 20 countries. Level Up Village, in cooperation with Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES, created the Connecting Communities course specifically for New York State and Kenyan students who are studying human impact on the environment.

What is the Connecting with Communities course?

A social studies exploration and global exchange between New York and Kenya classrooms that will take place January 29th - February 23rd.
An exchange built around New York State requirements that addresses third grade required material. The course is relevant and appropriate for students in grades 3, 4, and 5.
Fully prepared lesson plans that incorporate Social Studies Practices and prepare students for middle school Civic Readiness learning.
A research guide that helps students in New York and Kenya learn more about their environment
An easy-to-use student video report workbook
A new platform that is simple and secure.

How does it work?

The Level Up Village team, with our partner organization in Kenya (NGO Kenya Connect), pair up NY classrooms with Kenyan classrooms. They exchange “pen pal” videos to learn about each other’s country and culture. They proceed to research human impact on the environment in their regions and exchange more videos to reveal the issues they are facing and the actions they should take.

What Students are Saying...

“We actually got to see them. Super cool.”

“I liked to hear about them and their day and their school.”

"I liked that we could share with our Kenya friends our school day.”

“It was hard to wait to see their videos.”

How do the students benefit?

Small groups in each class get to make a personal connection with another group and learn directly from them about their culture including daily routines, meals, activities, sports, and school subjects.
Students get to apply Social Studies Practices in a real-world environment.
They are excited to learn through researching and discussing their own community.
They create a grade-level appropriate technology-based presentation to share their learning.
They practice communication skills as they exchange ideas with their global partner on the LUV secure platform.
They focus on being solution finders and taking action to implement change in the world.
They gradually develop a global perspective.

What does it cost?

The cost is $600 per classroom (up to 30 students ) + an administrative fee to Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES. All contracts and fees are processed through P/NW BOCES. Your district may be eligible for CoSer (Cooperative Service) aid. Please check with your administration.

How do I find out more and register?

Complete this Level Up Village Contact Us form. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have and, when you are ready, we will register you for the course.

Registration for the January 29 – February 23 session is now open.

To read about past Connecting Communities experiences, click here