Who we are
About Us
Big Thought is a national leader in arts education, out-of-school time programming, social emotional learning, youth justice, and learning systems. For over three decades, we’ve been empowering and equipping youth with the skills and tools to create their best lives and a better world.
Our History
Our HistoryFounded in 1987 by Dallas Civic Leaders Edith O’Donnell and Mitch Jericho as an affiliate of Young Audiences, we have been at the forefront of youth empowerment for years. The organization began innovating education from its inception by bringing arts and cultural performances into classrooms at a time when the arts had been marginalized or even eliminated from public school curricula. Fast forward to 2004, our vision had outgrown our original name, leading us to become Big Thought – a name that reflects our big ideas and even bigger impact.
How Does Big Thought Empower youth?
We Create
Direct to Youth Programs
From after-school initiatives that spark creativity to year-round programs that cultivate critical thinking, we create hands-on learning experiences that inspire youth to explore their passions and discover their true capabilities.
We Convene
Learning Systems
We connect partners and resources to create learning systems that effect change on a wide scale. We also share our insights and best practices so other partners can accelerate their impact.
We Consult
Big Thought Institute
Partnering with organizations, Big Thought Institute shares best practices and facilitates impactful programming, believing that this collaborative approach is key to help create thriving communities across the country.
Our Major Milestones
1987: Young Audiences
A group of visionary Dallas citizens comes together to address these inequities, forming Young Audiences of Greater Dallas: Big Thought’s foundation.
1993: Creative Solutions
A public-private partnership with Dallas County provides workforce training for justice-impacted youth through the arts.
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1996: Library Live
Events support family literacy for more than 8,000 children annually across 26 Dallas Public Libraries.
1997: ArtsPartners
An equitable system designed in collaboration with Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and Dallas ISD ensures access for all students to the city’s arts and cultural resources.
2004: Big Thought
The organization’s new name reflects its evolution to providing creative learning opportunities for youth in and out of school.
2006: Thriving Minds Arts Learning Initiative
The Wallace Foundation invests in a citywide collective impact initiative managed in collaboration with the City of Dallas, Dallas ISD and more than 100 arts, cultural and community organizations.
2008: 21st-Century After School
Named fiscal agent for 21st-Century Community Learning Center grants, which support year long daily after school programs in Dallas ISD.
2014: Dallas City of Learning
An ambitious summer initiative provides learning opportunities across the entire city.
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2016: Thriving Minds After School
After-school programming expands into new school districts and charter systems.
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2016: Artivism
Teens meet at the intersection of art and activism to express themselves, activate social equity and advance social issues through visual and performance art.
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2017: The Fellowship Initiative
In partnership with JPMorgan Chase, a yearlong mentorship program helps young men of color acquire skills, knowledge, experience, networks and other resources they need to succeed academically and professionally.
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2017: SEL Dallas
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is implemented during in-school and out-of-school-time through the four year Partnerships for Social and Emotional Learning Initiative, in partnership with Dallas ISD.
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2022: (A)LIVE
An after-school and hub-based poetry and performance program focuses on enhancing interpersonal skills while sparking students’ unique creativity, amplifying their voice and equipping young leaders with verbal vision.
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2022: Metro at Handley
A collaboration with Fort Worth ISD redesigns alternative education for youth facing disciplinary action.
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2023: Create Great Magazine
Launch of a custom publication in partnership with D Custom, youth publishing apprentices elevate our mission and platform to a national audience, telling the stories of youth by youth.
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