What is A Place Beyond?
From 2020-2021, A Place Beyond created mini college campuses in the mountains for college students who were studying online during the pandemic. Most of the students who arrived at our first campus in September had been self-isolating for 6-8 months and craving a place to actively explore, adventure, and learn in community.
A Place Beyond found its inspiration in the many kinds of schools, camps, and outdoor programs which make up an important third-place in education. These programs provide unique opportunities for students to learn about things and in ways more aligned with their values.
The exact wording of their philosophies and outcomes differ, but these spaces share a central understanding that community, experiential learning, and a sense of place inspire a better set of outcomes for their students or participants than regular educational institutions.
Because of their size, connotations, or experimental character, these types of projects sit at the margin of mainstream education and can be hard to find. In this newsletter, we’ll celebrate wonderful programs who are seeking more humane models of learning.
Twice per month, I’ll share one short profile of such an organization or project, two related links for reading, and three open roles at similar organizations.
