296. Building Citywide Learning Ecosystems with Belén Quellet

In this episode of Learning Unboxed, we’re joined by Belén Quellet, Executive Director of The Learning Quest, to explore what it really looks like to turn an entire city into a learning environment. Belén shares how Falls Church, Virginia is becoming an open-walled learning ecosystem where curiosity, repair, and real-world problem solving guide learning far beyond the classroom.

Together, we dig into learner voice, community partnerships, and why experiences like repair clinics, education passports, and local internships matter just as much as traditional academic pathways. Belén also reflects on shifting definitions of success, the future of work, and the importance of helping parents reimagine what learning can look like for their children.

This conversation is a thoughtful look at how communities can stitch together existing resources to support agency, exploration, and lifelong learning. Join us to explore what’s possible when learning truly belongs to everyone.

To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.org

We unbox:

• What a citywide learning ecosystem looks like in practice
• How repair and sustainability spark curiosity and problem solving
• Elevating learner voice through real community roles
• Rethinking credit, credentials, and success beyond classrooms
• Building trust with parents around nontraditional learning paths

Resources:

• The Learning Quest
• Education Reimagined: Learn more about learner-centered education and ecosystem labs nationwide
• Repair Café: Discover how community repair events support sustainability and hands-on learning
• Acton Academy: Learn more about learner-driven education models influencing Learning Quest’s work

Produced by NOVA