From Learner to Leader: The Power of Community Collaboration
From Learner to Leader: The Power of Community Collaboration
Lifecycle Observation House
At Design39 Campus, we believe that connecting and collaborating with our community isn’t just valuable—it’s essential. When learners see firsthand how impact is imagined, planned, and brought to life, they begin to understand that they, too, can be creators of change.
This summer, we celebrated an inspiring example of that belief in action. Christopher Cook, a former D39C learner and now a senior at Del Norte High School, returned to our campus as part of his Eagle Scout journey. His project? To design and build a life cycle enclosure that will serve generations of learners in exploring, questioning, and discovering the natural world right here on campus.
The project unfolded over nearly a year, from Fall 2024 through Summer 2025. Christopher didn’t just build an enclosure—he modeled perseverance, planning, collaboration, and generosity. With an estimated cost of $450, Christopher fundraised close to $600 to bring his vision to life. Following Eagle Scout tradition, the remaining $150 was donated back to Design39 Campus, allowing us to enrich the enclosure with plants and living systems.
This gift is more than a structure; it’s a legacy. Christopher’s journey reminds our learners that big impact starts with a spark of curiosity, careful planning, and the courage to lead. It shows them that community matters—and that they are already part of a network of changemakers shaping a better future.
At Design39 Campus, we are deeply grateful for Christopher’s leadership and for the community connections that make projects like this possible. Together, we’re reimagining what education looks like when learners are empowered to design, build, and give back.