Become a Member

Transform Learning. Together.

Open Learning is a new way to think about learning. Open learning recognizes learning is not limited to a classroom, rather, learning happens in an endless number of ways. If traditional learning resembles a ladder, open learning resembles a dynamic climbing wall incorporating an infinite number of ways to learn, from traditional classrooms to employment, to volunteering, to an art class or playing sports, listening to a podcast and everything in between.

Calgary’s learning system today encompasses over 3000 organizations delivering over 30,000 programs and 3.5M learning experiences. In addition, Calgary is home to 58,000 for-profit and non-profit organizations employing hundreds of thousands of Calgarians. However, this current system is highly fragmented, and it lacks a shared purpose and the underlying mechanisms to optimize its outcomes.

As a first step toward removing barriers and increasing opportunities for collaboration across the system the LearningCITY Collective, with our partner Mount Royal University, are piloting the Open Learning Lab. The Open Learning Lab is designed to identify and pilot approaches to increase collaboration between learners, businesses, universities and colleges, government, and non-profit organizations. The lab will complement and augment Calgary’s learning system by focusing on three goals: harmonize, collaborate, and innovate.

The Open Learning Lab is 15,000 square feet in the city’s busiest building - Bow Valley Square. Bow Valley Square is also 190 businesses across every sector from technology to energy to professional services. There will be a soft launch of the lab from June 12 to August 14. The lab will officially be open from August 15, 2023, to April 30, 2024. As per the floor plan below, the lab is designed as a highly flexible space, for teaching, networking, and events:

Two classrooms with seating for up to 35 students
Eleven boardrooms and meeting rooms
Flex space to maximize collaboration
Flexible event space, including 100 seats in theatre style configuration
A kitchen
LED screens in all rooms

Become a Lab Member

The goal of the Open Learning Lab is to create immersive learning experiences by removing the physical barriers between learners and professionals. To do so, the Open Learning Lab is pursuing organizations across the for-profit, non-profit, and public sector committed to bringing shared value to the lab. This means we want real professionals working and activating programming at the lab with educators and students. There are many ways members can collaborate to create shared value in the Open Learning Lab. Examples include:

Student Projects

The lab is hosting over 30 classes, and up to 1000 students in social innovation, marketing, and entrepreneurship from Mount Royal University’s AccelerateU pilot program. As a member, there will be endless opportunities to collaborate with these students.

Collaborative Research

The lab will be facilitating collaborative research between our diverse members.

Flexible Working Space

The lab has flexible working space for learners and professionals.

Event Space

The lab can be configured to host professional development events from 10 people to 100 people.

What Does it Cost?

The Open Learning Lab partner model is very simple. We are seeking partners who can bring shared value to the lab to accelerate the professional transition of learners. There is No Cost for the core Open Learning Lab membership, rather, we are seeking members who are committed to breaking down learning system silos by activating the space in a manner that will accelerate the development of the undergraduate students onsite.

In addition, to our core membership, there are partnership opportunities available for organizations wishing to play a more active role in the Open Learning Lab, build brand awareness among students and community partners, and receive exclusive lab benefits. These partnership opportunity can be customized to deliver on your unique needs.

Download our partner brochure

Apply Today

If your organization is interested in exploring opportunities to participate in the Open Learning Lab, please complete this short membership application form by clicking HERE. Once you’ve completed the application, you will be contacted by the Open Learning Lab team to book a short discovery meeting to explore opportunities for collaboration. Once you’ve completed the application, you will be contacted by our Community Coordinator Aidan Cooper to book a short discovery meeting to explore the potential partnership opportunity.