This is a dedicated space to examine and develop new approaches to education in a way that centres the student experience. Educational delivery models are changing – the Co-LAB will put current students into leadership roles, working directly with faculty to build knowledge that can inform the next innovations in education.
The lab will support and launch multi-disciplinary projects designed to: a) explore new approaches to student-centred learning, and b) empower students to take leadership roles advancing place-based solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges.
New in 2022: Building Success Program for College Alumni
Building Success is a new program of the Co-LAB at Columbia College and is open to current students and alumni of Columbia College of any age, experience level, and background. By the end of the program, participants will have the opportunity to apply for funding to launch their ideas. For further program details – watch this video.
Pilot Programs: 2021-2022
We are currently accepting Expressions of Interest from instructors, students and alumni of the College who may be interested in proposing pilot Co-LAB projects. Please complete this form if you are interested in developing a submission.
Need more information on our Co-LAB pilot? Watch this recorded overview of the program (note: you must be logged in to sharepoint to access this recording).
A space and resources for instructors and students to explore new approaches to student-centred learning*.
Funding between $2500 and $15000
For who?
College Instructors and Students working together.
Possible Innovation in Learning Projects
Working with students to explore new approaches to incorporate cultural exhibits into a course.
Work with students to experiment with new pedagogical approaches.
Identify and test the implementation of new digital tools to support student learning.
*Student Centred Learning is characterised by innovative methods of teaching which aim to promote learning in communication with teachers and other learners and which take students seriously as active participants in their own learning, fostering transferable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking and reflective thinking. (Ref: 2015 Overview on Student-Centred Learning in Higher Education.)
A multidisciplinary research setting designed to give instructors the space to explore questions and design research projects, while partnering with students in the planning and execution of research projects.
Two grants of $5000
For Who?
College Instructors, Students and/or Alumni working together. May include community partners.
Possible Research Projects
Research projects that replicate research done elsewhere on an international student body
Research in Action: Regional Problem Solving
Empower College Students and Alumni to take leadership roles advancing place-based solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Neighbourhood Small Grants Matching program: $500
Social Impact or Innovation Projects: up to $6000
For Who?
College Instructors, Students, community organizations, and College Alumni working together.
Possible Community Impact Projects
Social impact or innovation projects where faculty, alumni, and community organizations or industry partner together to undertake community research projects.
Collaborative projects that focus on goals from the City of Vancouver False Creek Flats Plan and/or implementing sustainable and circular principles of the proposed Green Industrial Innovation District.
Open Educational Resources Fund
The purpose of the OER Fund is to support affordable and inclusive access to learning materials through the adaptation, adoption, and integration of open educational resources in Columbia College credit courses.
2021-2022 Proposed OER Fund Guidelines – FINAL APPROVED
Applications for both Incentive Grants and Implementation Grants will be accepted beginning in January 2022.
Questions about the OER Fund can be directed to Zenith Bose: [email protected]