Collaboration is at the center of our work.

Collective Learning Lab partners with schools and organizations to develop youth engagement programming and curriculum that foster creativity, civic engagement, and critical thinking.

Project-Based Learning in Schools

Ray Elementary School students planting a Three Sisters Garden.

What makes a community whole? Students answer this question by considering their own community.

  • We integrate art, ecology, civics, and design into each project.

  • Students apply concepts through practice and experiential learning.

  • We partner with museums, civic institutions and cultural institutions.

  • Our projects connect students to the neighborhoods they live in.

  • We present our projects to peers, educators, community members, and local officials.

Youth Engagement Initiatives

Student contributing to playscape during Bronzeville Green Youth Initiative “Day of Action.”

We develop youth initiatives for schools, city groups, Chambers of Commerce, and local businesses.

  • Young people serve as active participants of their city by engaging with local issues, practice skills of civic leadership, collaboration, and problem solving.

  • Schools become sites of civic action, institutions become more responsive to community voices, and young people gain the skills and confidence to advocate for long-term change.

  • Day of Actions are energizing experiences where students get to work on the solutions put forth and be proud citizens in action.

Curriculum Development

Aldridge Elementary 8th grader working on mini 3D model of a bioswale with artist Larry Peyton for “Project Greenway.”

We create and tailor curricula for organizations that is place-based, engaging and culturally relevant.

  • We prioritize developing the whole child, immersing students in experiences, nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

  • Place-based learning is imperative in empowering young people to see themselves as stewards and change makers within the places they live.

  • Art gives young people avenues to express ideas, stories, and identities.

  • We bring our students to nature. local ecology, identify green solutions in urban environments, and nurture physical and mental well-being.

Carver Elementary students designing a pavilion for their neighborhood at Studio Gang.

    • Aldridge Elementary

    • Bronzeville Classical Elementary

    • George Washington Carver Elementary

    • Jackie Robinson Elementary

    • King Prep High School

    • William H. Ray Elementary

School Partners

Our civic and cultural partnerships provide our students access to high quality field trips, unique workshops, artists, professionals and leaders in their field.

    • Art Institute of Chicago

    • Chicago Architectural Center

    • Chicago Children’s Museum

    • Chicago Cultural Center

    • Chicago Housing Authority

    • Chicago Public Schools

    • Elevated Chicago

    • Emerald South

    • Field Museum

    • Forest Preserves of Cook County

    • Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

    • Museum of Science and Industry

    • National Museum of Public Housing

    • Openlands

    • People for Community Recovery

    • Quad Communities Development Corporation

    • Shedd Aquarium

    • Studio Gang

    • Wayfinding LLC

    • We Keep You Rollin’

Civic and Cultural Collaborators

Partner With Us!