Youth Academy
Learning Labs
Learning Labs are the major areas of study and applied learning within Strong Minds. Fellows rotate through labs based on age, placement, and personal goals.
The four labs
Where Learning Becomes Practice
PASE Lab — Purpose, Awareness, and Self-Empowerment
Identity, values, purpose, self-awareness, decision-making, and personal ownership. Students learn to name who they are and what they stand for.
Entrepreneurship Lab
Idea generation, problem solving, business modeling, branding, budgeting, pitching, and bringing a venture to life.
Academic Development Lab
Literacy, mathematics, study strategy, executive functioning, and support with current school coursework.
Differentiated Enrichment Lab
Interest-driven learning: technology, media, arts, culture, athletics-adjacent leadership, and other enrichment aligned to student strengths.
How labs work
Project-based, collaborative, and personalized
Labs run during program hours. Fellows work individually and in small groups, produce real artifacts, and present their work to peers, mentors, and families at showcases across the year.
- Assigned by age, placement, and student goals
- Guided by staff and supported by mentors
- Project-based with clear deliverables
- Reflection built into every cycle
- Work is shared at Saturday showcases