Hawthorne Workshop
Projects, mentorship,
self-directed growth
Workshop is our program for learners who are ready to take greater ownership of their education. Here, young people design projects, set intentions, and reflect on their growth in a community that values autonomy, collaboration, and curiosity.
​
Learning is natural. It happens best when driven by genuine interest and supported by a strong community. Facilitators hold space for youth to follow their passions, experiment boldly, and share their learning with others. Together, we cultivate a culture where reflection, feedback, and collaboration are as important as the projects themselves.
Anyone in the community can offer an activity, project, or exploration — from coding to theater, from building to research, from activism to art. Participation is always optional, and offerings grow from the authentic interests of students, not imposed requirements.
Workshop also emphasizes how we grow together. Learners meet regularly with mentors to set goals, track progress, and talk through challenges. Conflicts and struggles are approached as opportunities for deeper connection, with respect and consent guiding every interaction. In this way, Workshop is not only about what we create, but also about the relationships and practices that sustain us.
Our Day
Learners arrive in the morning and ease into the space — some dive straight into ongoing projects, others gather with peers to brainstorm new ideas, and some take time to check in with facilitators. Around 9:30, the community comes together for a morning meeting, where students share their intentions, propose group offerings, and make plans for the day.
From there, the day unfolds through projects, play, and collaboration. A learner might spend hours coding, writing, or building, while others form a group to stage a skit, cook lunch, or explore the city. Mentors check in regularly, helping students set goals, reflect on their process, and follow through on commitments.
​
Afternoons often include group activities, workshops led by facilitators or peers, or cross-age collaboration with younger Roots participants. At about 3, the community regathers to reflect, share progress, and celebrate the day’s work. Learners head out between 3:30 and 4.
What to Bring and Wear
Bring a lunch, snacks, and a water bottle. Since projects and outings can be unpredictable — from art-making to city field trips — we recommend comfortable clothes that allow for flexibility and creativity.