Skip to content

Make a difference with us

Donate
Our Work > Programs

Learning Partners

What is Learning Partners?

Learning Partners is a nationally recognized collaboration formed by community leaders as a way to provide high-quality arts and cultural activities to all Dallas ISD elementary students each year. 

What do we do?

We bring the programming to educators and provide experiences for students that are not traditionally available in the classroom. These programs include field trip opportunities, in classroom experiences, as well as virtual programming to help youth learn critical skills and engage interactively in the community, all while flexing their creativity.

How does it work?

Every Dallas ISD elementary school receives funds for procurement of fine arts and artinfused programs experiences as well as science and social studies-infused programs provided by partners that are contracted through the Learning Partners program.

Every Learning Partner program is aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) state standard for student learning and competencies. The program is funded through Dallas ISD Visual & Performing Arts and Teaching & Learning departments. Learning Partners is eager to take on new program partners to continue on in its mission. A program partner can either be an individual or organization that provides hands-on learning experiences to youth.

WORK WITH US

Impact Stories

Skill-Building, Mentorship, and Impact: Key Takeaways from Built for More Webinar

Check out our Built for More webinar recap, “The Importance of Youth Workers in Preparing Youth for the Future of Work”.

Read More

How Do We Hold Onto Hope in Uncertain Times? (And Help Youth Do the Same) 

Change is a constant, and with it often comes uncertainty. As educators, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates, we are not only responsible...

Read More

7 Questions with Let The Beat Build

See how Big Thought program partner, Let The Beat Build uses music, technology, and mentorship to help young people turn their passion...

Read More

What Youth Need from Us in 2025

Mentorship is more than just offering advice; it’s about fostering a trusted relationship. Using the insights shared by youth, that relationship can...

Read More

Art, Advocacy, and Impact: Aria’s Story

Explore how Big Thought empowered Aria to use art, advocacy and impact to drive change through programs like Creative Solutions and Artivism.

Read More

Empowering Youth Through Creativity: Fernanda’s Story

Discover how Fernanda, a teaching artist with Big Thought, uses creativity to empower justice-involved youth.

Read More

Big Thought and PEAR Partner to Support Youth Resilience

Big Thought and Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR) have partnered to expand the reach of PEAR’s Developmental Resilience Training, a research-backed...

Read More

Big Thought Names Erin Offord As New Chief Executive Officer

Under Offord’s leadership, Big Thought is poised to expand its national impact, advancing education and driving transformative change for young people.

Read More

Annual Report: A Year of Collective Impact

Check out Big Thought's 2023 Annual Report to see the impactful milestones and stories that shaped this year.

Read More

Big Thought Announces New Board Leadership And Members

DALLAS – July 15, 2024 – Big Thought is proud to announce the appointment of a new board chair, a dynamic leadership...

Read More