Collaboration is at the center of our work.
Collective Learning Lab partners with Chicago Public Schools to provide project-based learning opportunities.
Project-Based Learning
Ray Elementary School students planting a Three Sisters Garden.
What makes a community whole? Students answer this question by considering their own community. They brainstorm and identify local needs and possible solutions. Students go on field trips, take workshops and receive professional guidance on their designs. At the end, they present their projects to peers, educators, community members, and local officials.
Each classroom experience integrates art, ecology, civics, and design into a cohesive project, allowing students to apply concepts through practice and experiential learning.
We partner with museums, civic institutions and community groups to offer Pre-K-12 students place-based learning.
We connect classroom lessons to cultural, scientific, and civic resources in order to foster understanding and critical thinking.
Youth 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. With each client, we identify goals, create curriculum, plan field trips, and design “days of action” to allow students to directly address community challenges. Young people learn about local issues and practice skills of civic leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving. They become active participants and advocates in the civic life of their communities.
Our approach to this curriculum begins with the belief that youth offer logical and innovative solutions to challenges.
Students have access to our partners that bring expertise, guidance and deeper understanding to developing solutions.
Day of Actions are energizing experiences where students get to work on the solutions put forth and be proud citizens in action.
Curriculum
Aldridge Elementary 8th grader working on mini 3D model of a bioswale with Resident Artist Larry Peyton for “Project Greenway.”
We create and tailor curricula for organizations looking to align their mission with Illinois Learning Standards and Skyline. We understand the art of sculpting age-appropriate learning. We develop curriculum that engages youth with our partner’s work, provides exposure to unique trips and people, connects material to community lived experience and neighborhood history and ties in material to community investment.
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 a powerful way to express ideas, stories, and identities.
We bring our students to nature to teach about 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
People for Community Recovery
Quad Communities Development Corporation
Shedd Aquarium
Studio Gang
We Keep You Rollin’