Participating in field experiences beyond the classroom significantly enhances students’ confidence and engagement in learning. Since its founding in 2005 by a DC public school teacher to expand access to such experiences, LILI has connected over 28,000 2nd-5th grade students with local historical, cultural, and environmental sites. Each year, some 2,000 students across its partner schools participate in carefully crafted curricula, beginning with inquiry-driven exploration and discussion in the classroom that seamlessly integrate with field experiences introducing real-world contexts. LILI manages all the logistics, like coordinating transportation and materials, so that teachers can focus on shaping the learning environment. Through the Bridge the Gap fund, it also supports teachers in designing these learning opportunities, further embedding place-based learning as a core component of DC’s public education. At LILI, all learners are empowered to engage with the world.
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