Education for Engaged Communities

Hands-on and place-based civic education workshops exploring municipal engagement and current urban planning challenges through the lens of justice and equity.


About

CityShapers in Schools is a classroom-based workshop series that explores governance, city planning, and the diverse pathways towards youth civic participation. Interdisciplinary by nature, our interactive civic education sessions invite students to explore their own relationships and experiences with the built environments they navigate, with the governments attached to these places, and with the levers for change available to them to address the most pressing urban challenges youth are facing today. Click here to explore the program design principles.

This program is now available to grade 6-12 classrooms across Metro Vancouver.

A photo of a group of student sitting around a able a chatting and drawing.
A photo from above that shows three students drawing a map of their school grounds.
A photo from the back of the classroom showing students with their hands raised.

Grades 6-8

Middle years

Grades 9-12

senior years

CityShapers in Schools supports classroom teachers in connecting learners to current core competencies and curriculum content through meaningful knowledge-building and action-taking that give learners the experience and confidence to see themselves as a city shaper.

View grade-specific curricular connections here.

Learn more about the program by reading the Pilot Program Report which includes more background and context, as well as program scope and participant feedback.



Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of this workshop program?

CityShapers in Schools is offered to classrooms across Metro Vancouver on a pay-what-you-can basis. We aim to make civic literacy accessible to all youth , especially to those who face extra barriers to civic participation. We appreciate any financial contribution from schools who have the capacity to support, but it is not conditional to program delivery. 

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 High School classroom introduces students to a community that they can stay connected to, participate in, or seek employment from beyond their High School careers.

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 further. 

Can I book only 1 workshop?

If it is the first time you are hosting CityShapers in your classroom, the full 4-part CityShapers program is the one for you. If you have already hosted us and would like to invite us back to explore another thematic focus and project (Deep Dive + Action), we would be happy to return, scheduling- and capacity-dependent.

Who can I contact if I want to learn more?

You can always reach us at info@cityhive.ca or through our Contact Us page.

Photo from above of three students drawing a map of their school grounds with markers.

Ready to book?

Interested in bringing CityShapers to your classroom? Request your booking online today.

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

This program wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of: