UP for Learning

“I established a nonprofit organization 12 years ago. Dana taught me about the power and importance of a graphic image that defined UP for Learning as a professional organization. Dana has a remarkable talent to capture both the content and spirit of UP for Learning. This has been a major contributing factor to our credibility and growth. When we send text to Dana for any chosen piece, we often ask her to ‘work your magic.’ Dana never fails. Her quick turn-around and ready response to desired changes is always appreciated. She is a joy to work with, and we have become utterly dependent on her creativity and professionalism.”

— Helen Beattie, founder and executive director, UP for Learning

Learning happens best in partnership.

UP for Learning is working to change the way education happens by putting youth front and center. Their in-school programs support students to become leaders in their own learning, shifting the way schools work from a top-down model to a collaborative partnership between youth and adults. Since I started working with them in 2012, UP has grown from one program to seven major programs and nine graduate courses, one staff member to six, and 32 youth participants to well over 500 — riding the wave of Vermont education reform kicked off by the passage of Act 77 in 2013.

Through all this growth and change, I’ve worked with executive director Helen Beattie and operations director Karen Scott to keep UP for Learning’s materials looking consistent, clean, and easy to read. Readable is a must when you publish as many multi-page curricula, manuals, and dialogue guides for youth as UP does! I’ve also handled UP’s newsletter, infographics, event materials (think matching nametags, agenda, workshop room signs…), training flyers, and, most recently, a four-page impact statement and case for support to help Helen and Karen raise funds to further UP’s work. Possibly the most fun recent project? A game board for “Adventures in Youth-Adult Partnership.”