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Old Category: Studies + Research

BTI BRIEF – The Learning Ecosystem Effect: A Decade of Innovation Through Dallas City of Learning, January 2026

By Tre Kelly

DCoL proves citywide ecosystems can distribute learning dosage and still deliver impact – while outlining the model, evidence, and policy steps for communities to replicate and scale equitable, creative learning systems. Big Thought, serving as the backbone agency for Dallas City of Learning (DCoL), has continued its focus on enhancing out-of-school time (OST) programs for

Dallas City of Learning Longitudinal Analysis of Student Outcomes, July 2025

By Tre Kelly

Longitudinal Report of Dallas City of Learning Outcomes over a 7-year period finds that summer program participation is linked to meaningful and age-specific benefits. Big Thought, serving as the backbone agency for Dallas City of Learning (DCoL), has continued its focus on enhancing out-of-school time (OST) programs for youth in Dallas. By offering a broad

Dallas City of Learning Summer 2022 Report

By Lindsey Holzmeister

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), launched in 2014, represents a collection, or ecosystem, of organizations focused on providing programming to youth during out-of-school time and other non-traditional learning spaces. Through these learning experiences youth have the opportunity to

A Case for More Youth Justice Programming

By Lindsey Holzmeister

Big Thought Institute analyzed data from local juvenile services departments to examine the hypothesis that there are opportunities for youth to avoid prolonged detention and benefit from community-based programming in connection with diversion and probation dispositions.

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

By Lindsey Holzmeister

This article first appeared in Business Wire. DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Big Thought, Dallas ISD, SMU and the City of Dallas are hosting the 2023 State of Summer: Building Skills, Building Futures community event where they will share insights regarding the impact of summer and out-of-school time learning on February 24, 2023 at the Latino Cultural Center in