The Banner Project

During the spring of 2026, Aldridge 8th graders examined their neighborhood identity through the lens of streetlight banner design. Students created a community slogan paired with their own linocut printmaking and worked on the graphic design of their banner in InDesign alongside co-founder Starsha Gill.

Students studied banners across Chicago, analyzing how color, symbolism, and messaging can communicate a sense of place and community pride.

The Banner Project received Honorable Mention for the Designing a Better Chicago Grant competition. We are so excited that Collective Learning Lab and our students were recognized for our creativity and thoughtfulness.

We showcased the banners at our end-of-year presentation and look forward to sharing them with a wider audience in the months ahead.

As the project continues into the next school year, students will have the opportunity to deepen their civic participation by helping guide the public installation of the banners on neighborhood street poles and experience how creative expression can play a role in shaping public spaces.