Engage and Inspire your youth with the 2024 time capsule

our program

focuses on 4th-8th graders

We focus on youth ages 9-14, focusing on the developmental stage when youth are coming to understand themselves and how they fit into the world. Studies find that providing intervention and support at this age can help build resilience as youth enter the complex teenage years. 

builds community and confidence

Our curriculum builds off of research that shows that engaging in self-expression and peer dialog can help youth build a stronger sense of confidence and community both key elements to mental health.

is flexible

Our evidence-informed, arts-infused curriculum spans eight 60-minute lessons. It can be scaled up or down depending on the setting and need.

join us!

  • national educator network

    If you are a teacher or counselor for grades 4-8 and interested in our evidence-based, arts-infused 8-week program, you can apply to be part of a network of educators from across the county who will implement the time capsule curriculum and provide feedback. Participating educators will receive:

    $1000 stipend

    Training and materials to implement the 8-lesson curriculum

    Connections with a national commnunity of teachers and innovators

    Fresh approaches to support your students.

    Apply to the national time capsule network

  • Schools, after-school programs, libraries, and youth networks

    Each June, a new Time Capsule launches with a new theme, accompanied by an evidence-based, arts-infused 8-week program. In schools, summer camps, after school programs, and more, youth go through the program, and along the way, make, share, and discuss artifacts for the digital Youth Time Capsule. Participants use a multitude of artistic mediums to express themselves and their stories. On December 31, that year's Time Capsule is sealed, to be reopened, and shared back with contributors, in ten years. 

    We can either work with your staff to implement the program, or in select regions, our trained educators can lead the program on-site. We are also glad to customize the model.

    submit general interest form

Educators love us

  • "The program was amazing... Our students benefited so much. It really gave them a chance to reflect on their own identity, their own culture, and what makes them special and unique. What was really amazing was that they got to share that side of themselves with their peers and with their class. I can't say enough wonderful things about the program."

    Monica Balesh, Counselor, Philip D. Armour Elementary School, a Chicago Public School

  • “STUDENTS NEED MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO USE THEIR IMAGINATION AND TO CONNECT SOCIALLY WITHOUT THE USE OF ELECTRONICS. THE [TIME CAPSULE] PROGRAM PROVIDES A SPACE FOR STUDENTS TO DO JUST THAT-- TO BE KIDS.”

    Chicago Public School Teacher

Zain, Haikmary, Paloma and Kayden all contributed to the 2023 Time Capsule with their stories about celebrations. They are just four of the 2,225 kids we worked with across schools, summer camps, after school and migrant shelters settings.