Closing of Learning about Learning

Kidtechnics was the predecessor of what would turn into be the Children’s Museum of Houston. This Kidtechnics operating manual is an example of the kind of interactive experiences LAL created to help kids document and learn more about their experiences and look back on for years to come.

By the 1980s, Learning about Learning had expanded its scope and programming, with continuous outreach, projects, and events. In 1984, the weight of leading such a large organization began to take its toll on the staff. Around this time, the organization found itself being pushed to its absolute limits as it continued to expand each branch of its work despite limited resources. The ambitions became overwhelming, and with the economic recession that emerged at the end of the decade, the organization began to overexert itself. As grants began to expire and the organization struggled to hold on to private financial sponsors, it became increasingly difficult for the Learning about Learning team to continue its programming.

In the end, Learning about Learning decided to close its doors in 1986 due to lack of funding. Each team member parted ways and took what they learned from Learning about Learning to begin their own projects. Despite the gradual decline of Learning about Learning, the memory and impact the organization had was not lost on those who grew up with it. Many members, whether children or teachers, looked back on the organization fondly and reflected on how it had helped shape their lives and education.

Here are a few examples of events and programs put on by Learning about Learning in their final years:

Cityscope: A Youth Leadership

Even in its final years, Learning about Learning continued to teach and hold classes for students. Cityscope is just one example of the classes that the organization provided during their last years. Cityscope focused on the history, culture, and creation of the city of San Antonio. The program sought to teach kids leadership skills and learn about their city through hands-on experience based learning.
Even in its final years, Learning about Learning continued to teach and hold classes for students. Cityscope is just one example of the classes that the organization provided during their last years. Cityscope focused on the history, culture, and creation of the city of San Antonio. The program sought to teach kids leadership skills and learn about their city through hands-on experience based learning.

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LALetter

LALetter, the Learning about Learning newsletter, documented all the events and news revolving around the organization. These panels of the LALetter reveal the outreach and fundraising that was put into engaging with San Antonio school systems within their last few years.
LALetter, the Learning about Learning newsletter, documented all the events and news revolving around the organization. These panels of the LALetter reveal the outreach and fundraising that was put into engaging with San Antonio school systems within their last few years.

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Fall 1984 Schedule

The Learning about Learning Fall 1984 announcements, was one of the last full schedules created to showcase all of the classes and events being held for that season. Despite the challenges that the 1980s brought, Learning about Learning still managed to hold classes and put on events, never stopping their mission to educate and help the San Antonio community.

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