Lifelong Learning

The Lifelong Learning pillar acknowledges that learning almost never stops for anyone who consistently seeks self-improvement

The pillar recognizes that learning goes well beyond grammar school, high school, college, and postgraduate work. It occurs in many shapes, forms, and locations that are both formal and informal.

Lifelong learning can be professional, personal, or both. Professional learning can include public and private schools that provide degrees or certifications that lead to jobs and careers. Personal learing can include experiences and opportunities to develop or refine abilities that involve hobbies, personal talents, or even personal decision-making processes that lead to positive outcomes.

Lifelong learning can also include improvements to attitudes and perspectives that lead to healthier lives and, by extension, healthier neighborhoods.

Most importantly, the pillar recognizes that lifelong learning is an ageless endeavor that can help every person to help themself, to make decisions that lead to desired outcomes, to assert independence, and to mentor others, among other personal and social benefits.

Given its pervasive and wide-ranging value to most Chicagoans, the Lifelong Learning pillar will continue to be refined by research teams and focus groups.

Comments to date have suggested that:

• Technology provides unprecedented opportunities to expand educational opportunities citywide.
• Pre- and post-school Chicagoans should have similar opportunities to learn and improve themselves as enrolled students.
• Technology should help people to access the city's transportation networks in real-time, including navigation aids and payments that may be required for users.
• The improvement and adaptation of Chicago’s educational resources are essential to creating a viable workforce for tomorrow.

GET INVOLVED

The Lifelong Learning artist-organizer team wants to hear from the public. You're invited to submit your stories, comments, and memories.