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.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 6

Where They Operate: DC-Ward 1; DC-Ward 4; DC-Ward 5; DC-Ward 6; DC-Ward 7; DC-Ward 8; More than 60% of our students attend schools east of the Anacostia River.

Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11)

Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Students

Schools They Work In: SY17-18 school partners (DCPS):; Aiton ES (Ward 7); Barnard ES (Ward 4); Burroughs EC (Ward 5); Drew ES (Ward 7); Garfield ES (Ward 8); Hendley ES (Ward 8); Ketcham ES (Ward 8); Malcolm X ES (Ward 8); Orr ES (Ward 8); Patterson ES (Ward 8); Raymond EC (Ward 4); Savoy ES (Ward 8); Smothers ES (Ward 7); Tubman ES (Ward 1); Turner ES (Ward 8); Wilson (J.O.) ES (Ward 6)


  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we serve annually:   2,100+
  • Percent of students whose first visit to a destination site is with Live It Learn It:   70%
  • Percent of students who demonstrate self-efficacy by indicating confidence in sharing newfound knowledge with a classmate after Live It Learn It:   94%
  • Average percentage growth for students from pre- to post-assessment:   150%

Awards & Recognition

2011 CharityWorks Partner
2011 Lehrman Impact Award
2010-2011 Catalogue for Philanthropy Charity
2007 Recipient of Catalogue for Philanthropy Award
2006-2007 Catalogue for Philanthropy Charity

Press

  • Experience is the Best Teacher
    Mon Mar 4 2013, Hill Rag  
    Since its inaugural pontoon trip down the Anacostia River with 23 students, the organization has expanded to encompass thirty different
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  • 5th Graders Plan For Inauguration
    Thu Dec 6 2012, WUSA 9  
    Planning for next month's presidential inauguration is in high gear. But on Thursday a group of 5th graders took over the planning for the
    connect here

  • Profile: Matthew Wheelock, founder of Live It Learn It
    Mon Oct 1 2012, The Washington Post  
    Wheelock's answer was to use the city as a classroom, anchoring lessons in the cultural and historic institutions that draw millions
    connect here

  • A Classroom Of Visiting Scholars
    Mon Dec 8 2008, Readers Digest  
    Please alert the media: Something that makes sense is happening in Washington, D.C. Public school kids surrounded by museums and monuments
    connect here

  • Learning by Going
    Thu Feb 21 2008  
    The Washington Post shadowed Live It Learn It during a pre-trip lesson and the subsequent trip to the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site for students from Turner Elementary School. The Post's article includes brief interviews with several Turner students and their classroom teacher, and gives a good sense of Live It Learn It's methodology and academic impact.
    connect here

Budget (FY2026)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for Live It Learn It is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Every year, 190+ local nonprofits (with budgets under $4M) apply to join the Spur Local network. 170+ community volunteers assess these applications for impact. 100% of organizations are site visited and financially reviewed. Finally, 76+ critical, local nonprofits are selected for inclusion in Spur Local's annual print and digital catalog, and enter a four-year partnership with us. Since 2003, we have raised over $65 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region. We charge no fees and raise funds separately to support our work.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

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