What is Chicago City of Learning?

The first effort of its kind to take place in a major US city, Chicago City of Learning (CCOL) is a groundbreaking initiative that joins together learning opportunities for young people in a way that allows them to think about, pursue, and develop their interests. CCOL breaks down the false barriers that are thought to exist between learning that happens in school and learning that happens outside of school. Through CCOL, young people can discover new paths and interests, explore the city’s rich resources, and find out what they can learn, make, do, and ultimately, become.

CCOL grew out of the City’s 2013 Chicago Summer of Learning, during which more than 100 youth-serving organizations joined together to make their programs visible. Youth participants earned digital badges that provided permanent recognition of the achievements made by youth through their activities. Now, CCOL operates year-round and partners with more than 120 youth-serving organizations, and continues to help youth to find and record their interests and achievements.

Introducing: CCOL Support Crew

The purpose of the CCOL Support Crew is to support you with the ‘nuts and bolts’ of getting youth on-boarded and to model and develop ways to integrate CCOL more effectively.

Read more: Support Crew Info Sheet

Org Resources

Help Desk