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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

Big Thought: The Ecosystem Intermediary behind Dallas City of Learning

Written by: Merita Irby, strategic advisor, and Karen Pittman, editor-in-chief and publisher At Big Thought, we’ve always believed that learning happens everywhere...

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What Effective CEO Leadership Looks Like From the Board Seat

A midpoint reflection from a nonprofit board chair By Anthony Bégon, Board Chair, Big Thought I am roughly halfway through my tenure...

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NBA Foundation Renews Its Investment in Big Thought 

We’re grateful to share that the NBA Foundation has renewed its investment in Big Thought.  This renewed support strengthens career readiness pathways that help...

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

DCoL proves citywide ecosystems can distribute learning dosage and still deliver impact – while outlining the model, evidence, and policy steps for...

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

Longitudinal Report of Dallas City of Learning Outcomes over a 7-year period finds that summer program participation is linked to meaningful and...

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Building a Summer of Possibility: Neighborhood Resource Initiative, Powered by Amazon

When summer arrives in Dallas, learning moves far beyond the classroom. You’ll find it in community centers, art studios, libraries, gyms, and...

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Partner Spotlight: Smith Media Company

Smith Media Company inspires youth to explore creative expression, build digital skills, and become confident leaders in their communities.

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

The skills young people need to thrive in the future aren’t just technical or academic, they’re deeply human.

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7 Questions with Stars United Global Outreach

Stars United Global Outreach empowers and mobilizes students to create positive change and make sound educational and career plans.   

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7 Questions with Let The Beat Build

Let The Beat Build, a Big Thought partner, empowers youth through music, technology, and mentorship, helping them explore career pathways.

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