All problems are just a puzzle to be solved. Imagine trying to assemble a 1,000-piece puzzle with a blindfold on, only to realize the pieces are scattered in different rooms. Think of this as the traditional way of spotting opportunities. Now imagine if you could see the entire puzzle in one glance; this is the beauty of an ecosystem approach. Why settle for a fragmented view when you can unlock the full potential by seeing the entire picture? Like the analogy, DYN uses an ecosystem approach to better understand our communities. 

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An ecosystem approach involves reframing how we analyze out-of-school opportunities for children in the broader context of their own environment. At a micro-level, everyone has their own unique, siloed ecosystem. At DYN, our goal is to create a trusted and connected learning landscape for the families in our communities. To do this, we must consider all of the interconnected elements and stakeholders that influence how a young person decides to spend their out-of-school time.

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The components that we are identifying, understanding, and connecting are:

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Places: Where is learning happening? What assets do these locations have? Are they accessible and inviting spaces that foster engagement? 

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People: Who are the key players in each ecosystem? From teachers, parents, mentors, and community leaders, each person plays a vital role. 

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Opportunities: What learning opportunities are available for the youth to participate in? We have adopted an asset-based approach to recognize and leverage the strength of resources already present within communities. 

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Supports and Barriers:  What supports are in place to help youth engage in learning opportunities? What is preventing youth from participating?

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By taking an ecosystem approach, we are analyzing how the above components interact. This allows us to identify synergies and opportunities for collaboration that may be missed when looking at each piece in isolation. It also enables us to recognize systemic issues that impact a young person’s ability to access out-of-school learning opportunities. 

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We believe that every child deserves a chance to be connected to the interests, opportunities, and technologies that help them learn. By embracing an ecosystem approach and focusing on developing the connective tissues between elements, we are building a more equitable learning landscape. 

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