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For Cultural Institutions

Join the Local Learning Network

Cultural institutions play a vital role in how communities learn, remember, and imagine. The Local Learning Network (LLN) helps museums, historic sites, libraries, and other cultural organizations reach new audiences, including families, homeschoolers, microschools, and educators seeking meaningful, place-based experiences. LLN isn’t another advertising platform. It’s a curated educational network designed to make local learning visible, accessible, and valued.

 

Participating institutions will appear in a searchable directory that connects learning goals with cultural opportunities, whether that means a day-long field trip, a single exhibit, a reflective stop on a cross-country journey, access to your classroom for sustained partnerships, or curriculum resources that can be used from home.

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Why Join?

Expand your audience

Reach families and educators actively seeking high-quality, experiential learning. LLN gives you visibility with nontraditional learners, who often visit during off-peak hours, making them ideal cultural audiences.

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Diversify your funding story

Participation strengthens grant applications and partnership opportunities that prioritize community engagement, learning access, and measurable educational impact.

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Build sustainable partnerships.

Collaborate with other cultural institutions, tourism partners, and educational innovators on joint programming, co-branded learning content, and shared audiences.

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Generate new revenue streams.

Memberships, sponsored activities, professional development programs, and program collaborations are just a few ways to create earned-income opportunities while maintaining mission alignment.

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Be part of a national movement.

As learning increasingly moves beyond traditional classrooms, LLN positions cultural institutions as leaders in the future of education. Homeschool and microschool populations are the fastest-growing demographics in K–12; don’t miss the chance to connect with learners eager for the experiences you provide.!

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What Appears in the Directory

 

Each state will have its own dedicated page containing cards that list all participating institutions, displaying information on each that includes:

  • A concise overview of the organization and its educational mission.

  • Key programs, exhibits, and learning experiences available to families or schools (including hyperlinks). This may include (but not limited to):

    • Field trips and learning experiences designed for homeschool / microschool populations​

    • Virtual or hybrid programs

    • Classroom space availability

    • Professional Development for educators

    • Curriculum materials and resource libraries online

    • Special family-oriented programs

    • Memberships for families or schools

    • Sponsors who are relevant for these populations

  • Accessibility and inclusion notes

  • Parking / transit information

  • Any other information you'd like to share with these populations.

 

Listings are designed to be educator-friendly and family-accessible: informative without jargon, engaging without being promotional. 

How to Join

First, the good news: 50 cultural institutions have the opportunity to join the LLN for ONE YEAR at NO CHARGE!

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I believe in the future of this project, and I am certain that cultural institutions and nontraditional schools are a natural partnership. Phase One focuses on eight priority states where microschools and community-based learning are growing and thriving:

  • Arizona

  • Colorado

  • Florida

  • Nevada

  • Oklahoma

  • Tennessee

  • Texas

  • Utah

These states were chosen for their active networks of innovative educators and their strong ecosystems of cultural institutions, museums, and community organizations. Cultural institutions from states not listed above are welcome to submit their interest as well!

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Step 1: Complete the Intake Form (Open NOW through Mid-January, 2026)

Submit your organization’s information using the link below, including:

  • Institutional profile, mission, and contact information

  • Educational themes and learning connections (STEM, history, art, etc.)

  • Accessibility and outreach highlights

  • Programs, memberships, and digital learning options

Each submission will be personally reviewed and curated to ensure the directory offers high-quality, diverse, and useful information to families and schools.

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Step 2: Early Access Launch (Anticipated: Late-January 2026)

Selected institutions gain early visibility with families, microschools, and educators seeking field-based learning opportunities.

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Step 3: Full National Rollout

After the initial launch, LLN will expand to all states in phases. Optional premium listings and featured partnerships will be available. Phase One participants have first opportunity to continue.

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By joining LLN, your institution becomes part of a growing national ecosystem connecting families, schools, and cultural spaces, helping learners discover that education truly happens everywhere.

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