Our Approach
At the core of our philosophy is the belief that young people learn best when they are engaged, and given the freedom to explore their interests. Our approach combines flexibility, mentorship, and community support to create an environment where students take ownership of their learning in the classroom and in real-world experiences.
Programs
Abot Tala High
Self-Directed Learning For Teens
For ages 12-16.
Abot Tala High is our flagship program and specifically designed for non-traditional learners. Our goal is for teens to get to know themselves and what makes them come alive, all within a supportive and encouraging community. All of our classes and activities encourage personalized and collaborative learning.
We encourage exploration and curiosity, so there are classes that are unique and can’t be found anywhere else. We adapt to the changing needs of our community, so members can expect a lot of variety and surprises from block to block.
Abot Tala Launchpad
A Practical, Purpose-Driven Approach to Launching Your Career
For ages 17-22.
Whatever career path you choose, there are certain skills that you’ll need in order to navigate the changes and challenges that the future brings. We want to help our members develop those skills. The Launchpad program aims to support young people as they develop future-proof skills, connect them to a thriving network of professionals, and take-on real-life passion projects.
Features unique to Launchpad
Business & Portfolio Mentoring
Get personalized guidance to build a professional portfolio or launch your business ideas with the help of industry mentors.
College & Work Prep
Classes and resources to help you create resumes, prepare for interviews, and plan your next steps in education or your career.
Industry-Specific Workshops
Tailored classes focused on real-world skills in business, tech, arts, and more to prepare for specialized fields.
Weekly Huddles
Regular check-ins with peers and mentors to stay on track, set goals, and share progress.
Internship Opportunities
Gain hands-on experience with internships that match your career interests and passions.
Abot Tala Junior
Playful & interest-led learning for young minds
For ages 7-11.
A playful, curiosity-driven program for kids that blends online sessions, one-on-one mentoring, and in-person meet-ups. Each block is designed to spark their interests, build confidence, and strengthen social skills, all while giving them the freedom to explore, share, and learn in ways that feel natural and fun.
About Blocks
Our learning is structured into blocks that usually run for eight weeks, with each block having a two-week mental health break in between. The classes per block are requested and voted on by our members. We then reach out to people within our network for suitable mentors who would like to teach a class.
What to Expect
Slack—Our Virtual Center
Slack serves as the main hub for communication. This is where announcements are made, and where class channels are organized. Here members can connect, ask questions, and share resources in real-time.
Flexible Schedule
Members get to customize their own schedule from the list of classes available per block.
Class Format
Our classes are either live online (synchronous) or self-paced (asynchronous), and are held on Zoom, Google Meet, Gather Town, or Slack. Each class typically lasts one hour.
Industry Professionals
Classes are taught by experts within our network, coming from fields such as business, entrepreneurship, arts, music, science, and more.
Holistic Mentoring
Each member is paired with a mentor for guidance throughout the block, helping them set goals, reflect on progress, and grow personally and academically.
Community Clubs & Activities
Our blocks include virtual and in-person meetups where members can do club activities, collaborate on their personal interests and projects, or simply play games together! Members also get to join our Official Gather Town virtual HQ.
This is a preview of our center on Gather. Clubs and mentors have their own hubs and teens have a wide array of choices for meeting and hang-out places within our virtual center.
Activities during blocks
SDL Meetups
Standing for "Spontaneous, Deliberate, and Liberated", SDL Meetups are in-person hangout sessions hosted three times per block where members can socialize, have fun, and work on projects together.
Field Trips
Blocks also include engaging field trips that either complement certain class topics, or offer a fun way for our teens to wrap up the block.
Community Events
From holiday parties to prom to full on music gigs, these events give our members a chance to showcase and celebrate personal or collaborative achievements within the community.
Plan your abot tala year!
Here's our block calendar for 2025
Creative Pathways
Real-World Application
Our teens can apply their learnings in real-world settings through hands-on projects. These opportunities help them develop practical skills, collaborate with others, and build a portfolio, preparing them for future academic and professional success.
Abot Tala Productions
Training ground for teens interested in all aspects of production: pre-production, production proper, and post-production.
You can check out our work on the Abot Tala YouTube channel and TikTok account!
Abot Tala Radio
Our homegrown streaming radio station! Every Thursday from 4 PM onwards AT Radio goes live. We’ve got original and cover songs, interviews, and podcasts featuring teens and mentors from the community. Our station manager is Gabe Gabriel, an experienced radio DJ, and guest mentor. His wife Diane Gabriel, our staff member, helps him run the station.
