The Learning Lab experience is supported by both asynchronous and synchronous components. Each part includes a set of resources, an asynchronous discussion, and an interactive live session, all of which culminate in the development of a project to apply learning to local and specific contexts in support of the learning objectives.
Schedule
Part 1: Welcome, Orientation, and Program Offerings
February 2, 2026 | 3:00–4:30 p.m.ET
In our first meeting, we will get oriented to the topics and flow of the course as well as to the Program Design Canvas tool that structures the course and provides a concrete outcome for participants. We will introduce the studio-based approach to the course with participants working in a shared digital space so they can learn from and help each other. Between sessions we will include a mix of presentation, discussion, hands-on work on each participant's Canvas worksheet, guest speakers, and assignment(s). This session will also cover trends to inform program selection and design, as well as discovery interview techniques.
Learning Outcomes:
- Become oriented to the course and the Program Design Canvas tool.
- Build relationships between participants and with the instructor.
- Complete the Purpose and Program/Offerings sections of the Program Design Canvas tool.
- Learn discovery interview tips and tactics.
Part 2: Program Organization and Support
February 5, 2026 | 3:00–4:30 p.m.ET
In our second session, we will dive into the organizational aspects of the programs that participants are designing or redesigning. Participants will complete the People, Partners, and Policies sections of the Canvas tool in order to think through these aspects of their program. This will be informed by presentations and examples, as well as a guest speaker. This session will include hands-on work on these sections of the Canvas tool using a flipped classroom model to surface questions and learn from each other in real time. In addition to case studies and examples, this will cover service and staffing models to inform operations planning and the research assignment.
Learning Outcomes:
- Complete the People, Partners, and Policies sections of the Canvas tool.
- Learn from other participants’ programs.
- Explore case studies and examples.
- Become inspired by the guest speaker.
- Learn how to develop service and staffing models to support programs.
Part 3: Program Operations and Prototyping
February 10, 2026 | 3:00–4:30 p.m.ET
In our third session, we will dive into the operational aspects of the programs that participants are designing or redesigning. Participants will complete the Processes, Platforms, and Places sections of the Canvas tool in order to think through these operational aspects of their program. This will be informed by presentations and examples, as well as a guest speaker. This session will also include hands-on work on the Canvas tool. In addition to case studies and examples, this will cover prototyping in order to create momentum for implementation.
Learning Outcomes:
- Complete the Processes, Platforms, and Places sections of the Canvas tool.
- Learn from other participants’ programs.
- Explore case studies and examples.
- Become inspired by the guest speaker.
- Learn prototyping methods and examples to inform implementation.
Part 4: Program Implementation
February 17, 2026 | 3:00–4:30 p.m.ET
In our fourth and final session, we will dive into the implementation aspects of the programs that participants are designing or redesigning. They will complete the Patronage and Performance sections of the Canvas tool to think through the implementation of their program, and identify potential barriers and ways over/around/through them. This will be informed by presentations and examples, as well as by a guest speaker. This session will also include hands-on work on the Canvas tool as well as extended Q&A and breakout discussions focused on program implementation.
Learning Outcomes:
- Complete the Patronage and Performance sections of the Canvas tool.
- Learn from other participants’ programs.
- Explore case studies and examples.
- Become inspired by the guest speaker.
- Leave with a completed Canvas tool to serve as your roadmap for program design/redesign.
Lab Project/Assignments
Over the course of the Learning Lab, participants will be completing (and reflecting and revising) a worksheet that steps through designing and redesigning programs that might range from an orientation program or a mentoring program to a degree or certificate program. Participants will work on this during and between sessions so that they leave with a completed worksheet (or multiple, if they so chose) that serves as their culminating assignment and roadmap for moving forward.