For years, educators have tried to find balance between learning that happens inside and outside the classroom. How do we meet in the middle?
In Nevada, there’s a recognition that learning cannot happen without community. As a result the Portrait of a Nevada Learner developed an innovative approach to bring learning and community together. In August 2023, the Portrait launched the Community Learning Project (CLP).
“What we’re after with this program is leveraging existing community-based learning opportunities with aligned values in small businesses, civic programs, and cultural institutions for outreach,” said Sarah O’Connell, Community Learning Project Program Director. “We want to connect educators to partners beyond the classroom, and exemplify the mindsets and skills that bring academic knowledge to life.”
Sarah O’Connell has managed these community projects since inception, developing the program framework, and identifying potential collaborators to execute this work.
“We wanted these projects to be diverse in nature,” said O’Connell. “The projects touched on a diverse range of experiences and areas of study from science and engineering to social justice, performing arts, and media production.”
Following a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, 20 community organizations were selected to participate. The projects were carried out through April of 2024. Participating students were selected to partner with each organization to complete several projects. As a result, students produced various artifacts including in-person events, digital projects, performing arts performances, and more. Students were also paired with mentors, who collaborated with them along the way and provided guidance on the execution of each project.
“Taking the projects from the classroom to a community event has provided the students with a tangible way for the learning to come to life,” said a representative from the Desert Research Institute, a partner organization.
Through these projects, students learned to enhance their cultural literacy, social emotional learning, leadership skills, collaborative learning, critical thinking, and gained additional durable skills that will serve them in life beyond their traditional K-12 education.
In Pahrump, a community partnership with Great Basin College led to the birth of the Pahrump Youth Art Program (YAP). The lack of free community art programs for the youth had been a growing concern in this community.
“The arts is a significant way to keep kids in school and to keep kids excited about learning,” said Stefanie Kai Brant, Director of Youth Art Programs.
The intent was to develop a place where teens were given the freedom to create what they want and express their creativity. The culminating projects included pantomimes, a fashion show, painted masks, lego art, T-shirt art, and much more. Organizers originally designed the program for teens, but quickly saw a multi-generational space where folks were collaborating with ease.
“We saw many parents bringing kids younger than Kindergarten age, and we also saw grandparents getting involved and working on projects together with their grandkids,” said Brant.
In Las Vegas, students from Desert Pines High School participated in the Young Filmmakers Showcase. Students got the opportunity to write, film, and edit a short film, which they showcased at the Nevada Women’s Film Festival. In addition to learning from industry mentors about the film industry, students learned about scheduling, working in teams, deadlines, and other durable skills.
In Henderson, a number of CCSD students performed onstage at the City of Henderson’s Juneteenth Festival, in partnership with Molodi percussion ensemble group. In addition to learning about the performing arts, these students learned about managing art as a business, entrepreneurship, applying for grants, and ways to secure viable funding sources as an artist.
All Community Learning Projects can be explored here.
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