Education for Engaged Communities | Sliding scale classroom workshops across Metro Vancouver schools
Land-based and equity-centered civic literacy workshops for grades 5-12 exploring climate, housing, and public space
Learn more about our grade-specific program offerings below:
Overview
CityShapers in Schools is a classroom-based workshop series that explores governance, civic engagement, and city planning through the lenses of climate action, housing and affordability, and public space design. Interdisciplinary and interactive by design, CityShapers workshops support students to explore the diverse pathways towards civic action in connection with the people and places they care about. Programs serve grades 5-12 cross Metro Vancouver classrooms and are made financially low-barrier for teachers to book in conjunction with subject content areas in Social Studies, Social Justice, Urban Studies, Science, and more.
Mission
To deliver relevant and hands-on civic education workshops that are tailored to the school’s local context. A priority is given to schools within communities that are identified to be facing higher systemic barriers to civic participation and representation in municipal politics.
Vision
All students come out of primary and secondary education with the knowledge, skills, and first-hand experience of being active local residents. Urban communities are more just, sustainable and resilient due to enhanced involvement of children and youth in civic and city-shaping and processes.
Teachers, wondering how our workshops fit your curriculum?
Testimonials
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I really liked this new and informative opportunity to grow as a leader, youth, and in general this helped me grow as an individual. I also gained very informative knowledge from this.
Grade 6 Student
Surrey School District
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Went beyond expectations–I very much appreciated their inclusion of all voices and global perspectives/alternatives.
Grade 11/12 Socials Teacher
Vancouver School District
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I had nothing but positive feedback from each of the 3 classes that took part in the City Shapers sessions. The students found the activities fun and informative, and were inspired by the presentations by the various field experts. Those presenters had such a wealth of experience, which really helped further contextualize the topics from the workshop, and allowed the students to observe specific examples of concepts that they learned from the workshops. What a privilege it was to have them!
Grade 9 Socials Teacher
Surrey School District
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This was an incredible workshop that provided immense details about a range of very important topics! You included so many different types of activities, from pair work, to trivia type games, to creative activities. I was very impressed!
Grade 8 Social Studies Teacher
Surrey School District
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I was so impressed with the rich variety of learning opportunities that Olivia and her team provided for our students. As a staff, we embrace and practice UDL (Universal Designs for Learning) principles and the CityShaper workshops were a perfect fit. The sessions were planned to meet students in the different places that they are at when it comes to learning needs.
Grade 10 English & Socials Teacher
Richmond School District
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I learned about the importance of an educated electorate in a functioning, equitable democracy.
Grade 12 Student
Burnaby School District
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of this workshop program?
We’re a not-for-profit willing to front the program costs to make civic education accessible to public schools. Program delivery is free or offered on a pay-what-you-can basis for public schools. If your school is in a position to financially contribute to the program, we appreciate your support!
The subject I teach doesn’t directly relate to the topic of Civics or Governance. Can I still book this program for my class?
Yes! CityShapers in Schools is first and foremost, about examining our place and role within our community through the lens of justice and equity. Session content and activities embed and activate all Curriculum Core Competencies and are interdisciplinary at their core, integrating topics of indigenous reconciliation, design, and sustainability, while engaging students’ imaginations and curiosity through dialogue, games, and creativity.
Who will be facilitating the program sessions in my class?
All programs are facilitated by 2 CityShapers facilitators: 1 trained CityHive staff (CityShapers Program Lead or Program Assistant), alongside 1 volunteer CityShapers Youth Facilitator.
*As an organization, we take pride in our youth-to-youth mentorship model that supports the career development of youth participants in our programs. Bringing CityShapers into your elementary or secondary classroom introduces students to a community that they can stay connected to, participate in, or seek employment from beyond school graduation.
Is there anything I need to do in preparation for the sessions?
After confirming a booking in your classroom, you will be sent a folder containing document hand-outs required for the program. Printing these documents at your school before the start of the program will be appreciated. This email will also contain access to optional pre- and post-program lessons and resources that extend program learnings.
Can I book only 1 workshop?
Programs are designed to scaffold learning to ensure students are supported through an exploration of these complex civic issues. A program booking is therefore dependent on accommodating all 4 sessions (for grades 9-12) and both sessions (for grades 5-8).
Ready to shape your city?
CityShapers in Schools is ready for bookings for the school year 2024-25.
Got Questions?
Email Olivia (CityShapers in Schools Team Lead) at olivia@cityhive.ca to connect!
Thank you to our supporters!
