The Cal Poly Pomona Department of Art will receive an innovative $65,000 classroom through an Active Learning Center program grant.

The grant, which is funded Steelcase Education, includes design, installation, desks, chairs, furniture and on-site training for class amenities. The third-year program supports teachers and students by creating environments that encourages engagement, collaboration and creativity.

Cal Poly Pomona is one of only 15 institutions in the country selected to receive an active-learning classroom. More than 900 colleges and universities applied for an Active Learning Center grant. The classroom will be installed by bkm office environments, a regional leader in constructing active-learning spaces.

“Our goal is to help students learn to become both creators of content, and creators of visuals, across a wide array of platforms,” says Professor Sarah Meyer. “Our long-term goal is to pilot and demonstrate to all faculty the integration of active learning into pedagogy with collaborative student projects, visiting scholars, and teleconferencing interviews and critiques with international industry partners.”

With installation slated to start in summer, the classroom in Building 13 is expected to be completed by the fall quarter. The space can be configured to accommodate classes, lectures or a study area. The Department of Art was designated as one of the top 50 graphic design programs in the nation by Animation Career Review.

“Our faculty team is so excited to be recognized by the Active Learning Center grant for our efforts in promoting personalized, engaged learning with our students,” said Associate Professor Melissa Flicker. “We will continue this mission and foster better collaborations between students and faculty in the classroom.”

The graphic design discipline focuses on intensive work in art and design supported by a curriculum of general studies. Students apply their knowledge in a learn-by-doing environment.

“Cal Poly Pomona was chosen because of a demonstrated commitment to active learning,” says Craig Wilson, director of market development for Steelcase Education. “Research shows that space impacts behavior, and these classrooms will help a new group of professors and students explore the learning possibilities an interactive space can bring.”

Steelcase Education and art department faculty will assess the impact of the learning space over a two-year period.

Assistant Professor Anthony Acock, who was part of the team that submitted the classroom proposal, says, “This grant will serve the hardworking student population and further their potential to succeed.”