THE ROC
Network for Learning
a place, a philosophy, and a community providing resources and opportunities for helping kids in the 21st Century grow and take flight…
For almost 15 years, The ROC has served hundreds of families, kids and teens providing resources and opportunities addressing academic, life and career goals while responding to the changing face of education, learning, technology and society.The place consist of big open welcoming spaces where kids, teens and families can get together on a consistent basis for learning, socializing, and just having fun.The community is comprised of individuals and groups of committed parents and motivated, inquisitive teens and kids who like to do things together, and also a cadre of fascinating teachers who enjoy working with those kids in an open, focused, personal and creative format earning The ROC local and international visibility as a Network for Learning, and a gateway for new homeschoolers.
The philosophy is fundamental. It’s the belief that that no matter how diverse our communities, no matter how different we are from each other, there are times and places and experiences where we can meet and grow together.
The body of experience represents years of learning how to support all kinds of learning both inside and outside of the conventional schooling box. We’ve created innumerable environments, events, and opportunities for our children to experience the arts, media, language, writing, sports, history, logic, cooking, gardening, civics/current events, and lots of STEM – science, technology, engineering and math… (to mention just a few!) And we love to share that experience with new families.
What Does The ROC Do?
The ROC operates as an incubator for new ideas, a community, a platform, and network for learning outside of, and in partnership with traditional institutions, connecting students and families with resources, teachers, curriculum, programs, professionals, and businesses to create independent, customized learning opportunities on site in the New York City region, and all over the world.
We offer traditional and unique learning experiences, innovative twists on traditional subjects, and new ideas for independent learning. We’re increasingly fousing on 21st century career skills, including coordinating and/or facilitating project-based experiences, internships, mentoring, certification, and portfolio building opportunities.
Building on an average 30 classes and programs located on site in our spaces each term while also providing opportunities throughout the New York City region, the nation and the world, The ROC Network for Learning offers families, kids and teens a variety of types of resources and opportunities, such as:
On-site Programs: Each term we develop a full roster of 20-40 classes for students of all ages, currently including Fencing, Archery, Claymation, Stop Motion Animation, Beginning and Advanced Lego Robotics, Money Matters, History and Science of Geniuses, Anatomy, Pharmacy Tech as well as several types of Writing and Math courses. Members are also eligible to join programs we develop with our institutional partnerships, and register for classes at discounted rates.
Co-op Planning & Satellite Classes: Assistance with developing coops and coop classes on subjects suggested/requested by students and/or parents; finding and vetting teachers; recommending students; arranging space and more around the city and region.
Virtual Classes: One on one, small or large virtual classes with students in various locations – at The ROC or from home, libraries, or coffee shops – coordinating curriculum, structure, schedules, registration, etc. using videoconferencing with teachers and other students around the world.
Portfolio Development & Certifications: Helping students understand what portfolio they want to develop, think about jobs and careers, identify opportunities, navigate and negotiate, do professional work, and follow both traditional and unique pathways to certifications.
Internship & Mentoring Coordination: Provides opportunities to research fields that interest students; discover the jobs associated with the field; design interviews with industry professionals; determine the skills and tasks required to participate in the industry.
Virtual Internships: Mock Jobs – creating ways to initiate work experience. Work with a mentor and a small team on a specific assignment for professionals within select industries.
Pathmaker Workshops: Exploring and experimenting with 21st Century career and personal skills, including charting a career path, researching opportunities, teamwork, brainstorming, project building, presentation skills, entrepreneurship, and more.
Gateway to and from Homeschooling: Providing support and community for transitioning from school to homeschool, as well as for our homeschoolers transitioning to school.
Conferences & Workshops: sponsoring conferences and workshops on critical issues in education, sharing films, forums, panels, etc., and facilitating discussions exploring the challenges therein, as well as individual, family, and community solutions.
CLICK here to learn more about becoming a member of the ROC.
CLICK here to sign up for classes.