Big Thought
Big Thought is a national model in arts education, out-of-school time systems, summer learning, and juvenile justice intervention, reaching over 125,000 students annually with programs focused on social and emotional learning, creative exploration, and academic outcomes.
Company Overview
Big Thought has been a national model in arts education, out-of-school time systems, summer learning, and juvenile justice intervention for over 30 years. The organization focuses on providing transformative learning opportunities that reach more than 14,000 students annually, delivering over 321,000 learning hours each year through direct-to-youth programs.
Direct-to-Youth Programs
Big Thought's direct-to-youth programs include Artivism, Creative Solutions, Thriving Minds, The Fellowship Initiative, and The Metro Opportunity Center at Handley. These programs are designed to help youth build creative muscle, develop social and emotional skills, and create their authentic voice. For example, the Creative Solutions program has a recidivism rate of 10% over 8 years, significantly lower than the average of 38% for other intervention programs.
Social and Emotional Learning
Big Thought is one of six community partnerships in the U.S. helping scale national best practices in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). The Thriving Minds After School program specifically focuses on social and emotional learning, creative exploration, and academic outcomes. These initiatives collectively aim to support the holistic development of youth.
Community Impact
Big Thought's impact extends to over 125,000 students through its Learning Systems, delivering more than 3.7 million learning hours each year. The Dallas City of Learning (DCOL) initiative served 47,503 youth in summer 2022 with 1,308 unique programs offered. Additionally, the Library Out Loud program provides free after-school learning opportunities at Dallas Public Library branches, further expanding the company's outreach.
Funding and Support
In August 2023, Big Thought received a $1 million grant from the Walmart Foundation through the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity. This financial support aids in furthering the organization's mission to create equitable learning opportunities. The funding supports various programs aimed at bridging educational gaps and fostering social justice.
Educational Resources and Professional Development
Big Thought's Learning Partners program provides educators with access to thousands of high-quality field trips and programs, enhancing educational experiences. The Big Thought Institute offers professional learning, consulting, design, and evaluation services, supporting educators and organizations in implementing effective and inclusive learning practices.