To transform learning with and for young people so they develop the knowledge, dispositions, skills, and relationships needed to thrive as makers of our shared history.

our MISSION

A world that acknowledges the interdependence of the thriving of young people and the health of democracy, and demonstrates a deep commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of both.

our VISION

our wORK IS built on two KEY UNDERSTANDINGS:

The future WILL BE SHAPED BY A NEW GENERATION OF HISTORY-MAKERS.

In a world facing the challenges of climate change, migration, polarization, and AI, we need people of all ages who understand history’s lessons—ones who understand how human choices can lead to both sustainable progress and unimaginable pain.

It is essential that all young people grow up knowing they have the power and responsibility to influence and shape the future. Each of them matters, and through their actions and ideas can make a difference, bridge divides, and help co-create a future of equal opportunity, freedom, and justice.

humanity-centered PEDAGOGY SUPPORTS THEM as catalysts FOR PROGRESS.

Traditional practices like lecture-based, textbook-driven lessons have left young people feeling bored in their classrooms. According to a Walton Family Foundation-Gallup Voices of Gen Z study, up to 54% of students say they are not having eight engaging experiences in school. Less than half of students say their schoolwork positively challenges them (49%) or aligns with what they do best (46%).

A humanity-centered learning approach empowers young people to become active contributors to the world they inherit, preparing them to be catalysts for transformation in an engaging way.

our question:

How can we support young people in not only learning about history but in actively shaping it?

Our answer: Through learning ecosystems and learning experiences shaped by youth voice, learning science, collaboration, and community.

We harness the power of these four core components to co-create and spread new learning solutions as well as a new relational infrastructure for learning that allows all young people to thrive. Through our three Co:Labs, we innovate, catalyze and shift mindsets in collaboration with others.

We believe in the magnificence of young people and engage them as thought partners and co-designers in everything we create and do.

YOUTH VOICE

We use research-based methods and principles from learning science to create solutions that effectively support young people’s development.

learning science

We leverage the strength of community partners to build belonging, support community-connected learning and sustainable systems change.

Together, they move us toward community-connected, youth- and humanity-centered learning. 

community

We weave relationships in an impact-driven way, building networks and partnerships that scale youth-centered solutions that work.

collaboration

Meet History Co:Lab's Team:

OUR VALUES

We are guided by a set of core values that shape our mission and the work we do every day.

  • We root our work in the science of learning and development and authentic co-design with and for young people.

  • We value relationships for they nurture the trust, empathy, and shared responsibility needed to create inclusive flourishing and sustainable societies.

  • We design with the belief that every individual has a role to play in shaping the course of our human history, with whatever gifts they bring. 

  • We intentionally co-create with diverse partners across sectors through a team-of-teams approach to get to synergistic outcomes and ensure scale.

  • We pursue systemic changes to achieve lasting transformation in the institutions capable of supporting the well-being and learning of young people.

  • We adapt to shifting needs with flexibility and playfulness to ensure that we support the emergence of responsive solutions.

  • We celebrate joy and grief, holding space for all emotions as catalysts for learning.

  • We embrace curiosity, welcome discovery, and use challenges to propel our growth.

  • Through all of our work, we seek to nourish the capacities for and commitment to building a flourishing future for all people in harmony with nature and our planet.