“LEARNING BY DOING”
Since 1985, Living Classrooms has delivered innovative, hands-on learning experiences through education, job training, health & wellness, and community-based safety programs. Our programs support individuals of all ages as they work toward their personal and professional goals, contributing to stronger and more resilient communities.
With decades of experience in Baltimore and Washington, DC, we’ve built trusted partnerships with local residents, businesses, philanthropies, and public-sector leaders—from neighborhood groups to city governments. Together, we implement practical, research-informed strategies that reflect community priorities and deliver meaningful, measurable results.
Programming occurs at multiple locations in Baltimore and Washington, DC, which have been developed in collaboration with residents in the surrounding neighborhoods, including our Community Hubs (UA House, POWER House, Park House, Bauer Workforce Development Center, and the James C. Dent House); outdoor education campuses that showcase urban green spaces and serve as natural learning laboratories; our public charter middle school; and our fleet of ships including active floating classrooms and stationary historic museum vessels that offer activities in STEM and cultural and maritime heritage.
Our mission at Living Classrooms Foundation is to strengthen communities and inspire children, youth, and adults to achieve their potential through hands-on education, workforce development, health and wellness, and community safety programs that use urban, natural, and maritime resources as "living classrooms."
Our vision is to engage our community members in forging robust and sustainable communities together. We do this by listening and working with communities to create effective hands-on education, workforce development, health and wellness, and community safety programs that bring learning alive. We set ambitious goals, from academic achievement and living-wage job placement to healthy and safe communities.
Our Approach & Commitment
Living Classrooms Education implements community-driven, research-based, best practices that value the priorities and aspirations of our communities and deliver results. We provide hands-on experiential learning opportunities for individuals of all ages through our unique learning environments. At Living Classrooms Foundation, we are dedicated to enhancing the lives and futures of children, youth, adults, and families while creating holistic and transformative programming with our communities.
Our Values
Excellence: We believe that every individual possesses the potential for greatness. We understand that the strength of our community lies in the resilience of each person. We are committed to being a catalyst for positive collective impact by nurturing the talents of all.
Collaboration: We recognize that great programs are built when communities are actively engaged in building them. We listen attentively, respond with empathy, and ensure that individuals, families, and stakeholders are central to our planning and programming.
Integrity: Respect and honesty are the foundational principles for our work. We maintain uncompromising standards, nurture a culture of dignity, and prioritize transparency. Our commitment to integrity is our compass, guiding us as we remain accountable to our communities, stakeholders, and supporters.