More than 225 Strong: Monarch Student Pilot Project Enters Year Two

After a groundbreaking inaugural launch, the Monarch Student Pilot Project (MSPP) is entering its second year with renewed momentum and a fresh cohort of students and educators. Year two brings not only more participants, but also new opportunities to learn how Monarch can empower students who are blind or low vision, their families, and the educators who work alongside them. 

With more than 225 students now participating across the country, MSPP continues to grow in both size and impact. These students, as well as the educators and family members supporting them, bring a wide range of backgrounds, goals, and learning environments to the project. Their stories, challenges, and creativity will be the driving force behind what we learn with this project and how Monarch evolves as a tool for the classroom and beyond. 

One educator new to the project shared, “I hope this project will not only enrich my own instructional skills but also empower a student to break down barriers to information and engagement through more sophisticated braille technology.” That hope, of learning together and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the classroom, sits at the heart of the pilot. From students in rural homeschooling environments to those in bustling public school districts, each participant brings something vital to the future of tactile learning.  

What to Expect in Year Two 

MSPP year two builds on the foundation laid during the pilot’s first year. Where year one focused on first impressions, accessibility needs, and early classroom use, this next phase will go deeper. We’re eager to learn how Monarch fits into the day-to-day reality of instruction and how students and educators adapt their strategies over time. 

Throughout the year, participants will: 

• Integrate Monarch into a variety of instructional settings and subjects 

• Participate in learning opportunities 

• Share feedback through surveys 

As students explore Monarch’s capabilities, we’ll be paying close attention to how the device supports independence and confidence with braille literacy and tactile graphics. We’re also examining how educators adapt lesson plans, collaborate with team members, and find new ways to bring classroom content to life. 

Building on Real Experience 

While Monarch continues to evolve as a piece of technology, what remains central is the learning community forming around it. Educators are not only incorporating the device into their daily routines—they’re finding that their students are growing in confidence, skill, and engagement. 

As one returning educator put it: “I have loved everything about the Monarch. It has been such an excellent learning experience for our braille readers. It has improved their participation and their skills in all areas!!” Insights like these help us enhance Monarch as well as shape the support systems, teaching strategies, and infrastructure that allow students to thrive. From how assignments are distributed to how tactile graphics are created and explored, the real-world feedback we receive is shaping a more responsive, inclusive future.  

Follow Along 

The Monarch Student Pilot Project continues to grow, shaped by the experiences and insights of the students, educators, and families involved. As we move through year two, we’re excited to share what we learn about building a stronger foundation for the future of braille and tactile learning. 

To learn more about the project and how it’s unfolding in classrooms across the country, visit our Meet Monarch page. To stay connected with stories, milestones, and future opportunities, be sure to sign up for the Monarch Monitor.