We put humanity at the center of learning.
The Co:Lab is a design and innovation lab for civics and the humanities.
We create the tools, experiences, and networks that community’s and their schools need to they can help teens thrive and master the skills they need to build our shared future.
our why
Adolescence is a superpower,
but our schools weren’t built for it.
Schools, mental health supports, and civic life remain siloed and outdated—leaving too many young people disconnected and democracy weaker for it.
We’re here to change that.
what makes us different
Experiential civics is how teens learn best.
Civics isn’t a subject, it’s a lived experience.
Through deeper learning journeys in schools, museums, libraries, and communities, teens practice belonging, agency, purpose and mattering. They don’t just learn about democracy—they feel it, do it, and shape it.
Start with what theresearch shows
Shaped by experts in adolescent development
Designed with teens every step of the way
why it works
Backed by institutions that know how to scale and sustain change
Aligned with partners know what it takes
Grounded in real communities and real places
where it works
schools
museums
archives
neighborhoods
online communities
We believe democracy relies on all young people thriving.
In a recent article co-written with our research partner Dr. Pamela Cantor, we explain the Science of Experiential Civics, and why it must be a priority in school redesign.
what we do
We are bold innovators and transformers.
We work to ensure that ALL young people grow up ready for civic engagement, knowing their place in the world.
We combine learning science, history, adolescent development, and systems change in four core services.
Thought Leadership
Shaping the national and global conversation on civic innovation and teen thriving through publications, keynotes, and public events.
Product Design
Developing curriculum, games, media products, and training tools that activate belonging, purpose, and agency.
Strategic Advising
Partnering with schools, museums, foundations, and civic institutions to align strategy, shift practice, and embed the science of adolescent civic thriving.
Convening + Weaving
Bringing leaders together across silos to spark collaboration, build ecosystems, and accelerate scale.
“Educator or Partner quote to go here. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to do something more.”
— Quote Source
“Student quote to go here. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to do something more.”
— Quote Source
“Educator or Partner quote to go here. It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to do something more.”
— Quote Source
impact
We are already changing the game.
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U.S. History curriculum co-created with teens and XQ
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“100 Docs Game” with the National Archives for America250
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Humanities Toolkit active in over 20 communities
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Teen-led civic podcasts, UnTextbooked
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Civic Thriving Network launched from national convening
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Teen-led game labs
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National primer: The Teen Civic Thriving Framework
our network approach
We co-create with people and organizations who share our vision for teen thriving and civic renewal.
Together we:
Design with Teens
Co-creating tools, games, and learning experiences.Collaborate with Institutions
Partnering with schools, museums, and community organizations.Innovate with Funders + Foundations
Testing and growing ideas that can scale.Build with Changemakers
Joining forces with entrepreneurs, educators, and civic leaders.
Civic thriving starts with people like you.
join the movement
Whether you're 17 or 70, there's a role to play.
Join our teen co-designer network to help shape the tools and environments that support teen thriving.
Allow your voice to be heard and get paid doing it.
I'm an Eductor
Access curriculum, professional development training, and tools that actually work.
Join a growing community that centers teen voice.
I'm a Partner
Invest in bold, evidence-backed work.
Collaborate with us to innovate and scale teen-centered civics learning.
our story
The Co:Lab was born from a 2024 merger of two pioneering organizations:
History Co:Lab
Founded to strengthen democracy by transforming history education.
iThrive Games
A research and design studio specializing in learning for adolescent thriving.
Together, we combine deep roots in history, adolescent development, and networks across fields and silos with a bold vision for the future.
Our logo reflects this connectivity: a tree with roots and networks, symbolizing growth, connection, and civic thriving.Experiential civics is teen-centered, community-connected learning in history, arts, and the humanities. We focus on giving young people opportunities to be curious and active learners who can and will contribute to our common purpose.
