One goal is to increase skills in critical thinking, research, responsible citizenship, and community engagement. Not only will students build skills, but they will build knowledge about specific ways they could problem solve neighborhood issues.

Also the curriculum exposes students to careers related to architecture, urban design, and civic leadership. At least 95% of students who are taught the Design Your Neighborhood curriculum will spend at least 2 hours engaged in applied, hands-on learning with an urban design or architecture professional during the creation of their final project.

Another goal is to increase awareness of transportation, environmental sustainability and affordable housing issues in the built environment. This awareness gives students the knowledge to have informed voices in their communities.

At least 80% of students who are taught and surveyed the Design Your Neighborhood curriculum will have increased awareness of issues in Nashville that exacerbate inequity and reinforce systemic injustice at the neighborhood level.

Our third goal is to produce youth who are active agents of change in their communities by facilitating the realization that they have the ability and capacity to enact change within their community.

At least 80% of students who are taught the Design Your Neighborhood curriculum and surveyed will show growth in perceived psychological empowerment as measured by the Sociopolitical Control Scale for Youth. Increased psychological empowerment will lead to higher motivation for success in school, civic engagement, and personal practices around environmental sustainability in the built environment.

Lastly, by working more directly with our staff and volunteers, teachers gain access to curriculum projects that allow youth to take real action towards moving the needle on issues in their community, like sustainable transportation.

Students gain more confidence in their own voices to create change in their communities.