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Dallas City of Learning

What is Dallas City of Learning?

Life is a learning lab and learning happens every day and everywhere. Dallas City of Learning (DCoL) was developed to ensure youth had access to high-quality summer learning experiences and opportunities to prevent summer learning loss.  

What do we do?

Youth are developing new ways to solve new problems. They are dedicated to changing systems and rebuilding communities where we are all better served. As we lift youth as architects of their own future we must empower youth to see themselves as Creators by equipping them with 21st century skills. Employing asset based skills like creativity, critical thinking and problem solving interaction, the Creator Archetype’s five domains (Social and Emotional Foundation, Academics and Artistry, Digital Fluency, Design Thinking and Civic & Service) outlines and defines the skills, competencies and experiences that equip and empower youth to create their best lives and world. 

How does it work?

Dallas City of Learning gives Learners the opportunity to choose from an array of digital and in-person activities across Dallas/Fort Worth that spark their interests, feed their curiosity and engage creative and critical thinking tapping into one or all five of the Creator Archetype domains. 

Grounded in one of Big Thought’s core values, Partnership is Power, these creative learning experiences are curated in partnership with the support of local organizations, city institutions, and educational partners. 

With the aim of leveraging resources and opportunities to build a diverse and robust learning ecosystem, Dallas City of Learning is the ecosystem of community partners with an online platform to support outreach and micro-credentialing. It connects students to valuable learning experiences in aviation, photography, artificial intelligence, STEM, and much more.

WORK WITH US 

Become a program partner, search for programs, and more at dallascityoflearning.org.

Impact Stories

Partner Spotlight: Smith Media Company

When Cordney Smith lost his job as an educator more than ten years ago, it marked the beginning of a new path...

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The World Is Changing. Are We Teaching the Right Skills? 

When it comes to preparing young people for the future, the right skills go beyond what fits neatly into a resume or...

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Dallas City of Learning 2023 Report

Annual Report from Dallas City of Learning Presents data across entire academic year Big Thought, serving as the backbone agency for Dallas...

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Big Thought and Mr. Cooper Co-Pilot Creativity for Families at the Dallas City of Learning Turn Up

Let creativity soar to new heights with hands-on STEM activities, arts and crafts at the Frontiers of Flight Museum DALLAS – JUNE...

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Dallas City of Learning Summer 2022 Report

Annual Dallas City of Learning Report Finds a Rebound in Access and Dosage with the Return to Face-to-Face Programming Dallas City of Learning (DCoL),...

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Dallas ISD, SMU, Big Thought and City of Dallas to Share Insights From the Dallas City of Learning Program on February 24, 2023

This article first appeared in Business Wire. DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Big Thought, Dallas ISD, SMU and the City of Dallas are hosting the 2023...

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Dallas City of Learning’s KICKS Conference Set the Tone for a Summer of “Creating Creators”

Summer heat and summer learning are both in full swing for Dallas City of Learning and its partners. Children across the city...

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Big Thought Invites Families to Celebrate Creativity at Dallas City of Learning Library Turn Up Event

Learn how to create slime, interact with live animals and participate in a community mural at this free event open to the...

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How These YMCA Leaders Are Going Beyond Their Clubs’ Walls To Bring Athletics, Education, and Connection To Their Communities

Honoring Dallas City of Learning’s Neighborhood Award Winners The YMCA has become the cornerstone of neighborhoods all across the country since its...

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How One Organization Is Turning The Phrase “At Risk” On Its Head

Honoring Dallas City of Learning’s Superintendents Award Winner Stars United Global Outreach Stars United Global Outreach founder and executive director Star Williams’...

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