Passageworks Institute

PassageWorks Institute creates impact in 3 ways: 1) Whole-School Transformative Learning -- multi-year school projects collaborating with educators, students, & families to create culturally responsive learning communities, 2) Creating Collective Impact with Community Partners -- to create long-term change in schools & communities, 3) Changing the National/Regional Conversation about the Future of Education to a learner-centered vision. In 2021, staff & faculty participated in mostly regional events and facilitated courses and workshops for educators, school leaders, & families. Due to the global pandemic, many schools opened and then closed, and many remained online. The need for professional development continued to be much reduced from past years. PWI continued to offer online introductory mindfulness programs that served hundreds of educators and health care workers in Colorado. In addition, PWI's staff and faculty directly supported 9 schools in Colorado and California with in-person and online programs. These mindfulness, social and emotional learning, and equity programs reached hundreds of educators, in turn affecting the lives of many students, mostly in the state of Colorado.

The CircleTalk Project became part of the Institute in 2015, inspired by the principles and practices of PassageWorks' curricula. CircleTalk engages older adults in meaningful conversations and personal sharing, using creative activities to build social connections, inspire a sense of belonging, and create small communities. In 2021 Circle Talk adapted all of its materials to virtual formats and conducted 8 training programs and 24 coaching programs to replicate its program nationally.