Expanding Opportunities for Tulsa's Youth: The Power of the Expanded Learning Initiative

At The Opp Project, we are proud of our partnership with Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) and the incredible progress we've made through the Expanded Learning Initiative (ELI). What began with generous support from the Wallace Foundation, serving seven school sites, has evolved into a citywide effort to ensure every young person in Tulsa has access to high-quality, enriching experiences beyond the school day.

Growing to Meet the Moment

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the need for intentional, equitable learning opportunities became more urgent than ever. In response, The Opp Project and TPS worked together to expand our reach from seven to 63 school sites, connecting thousands of youth to transformative out-of-school time (OST) programs. These programs, made possible by COVID-19 relief funding, went beyond academics — focusing on building relationships, fostering engagement, and supporting social-emotional wellbeing.

A Collective Effort

Today, the Expanded Learning Initiative is stronger than ever, anchored by four initiatives, and extending across Tulsa Public Schools, Union Public Schools, and San Miguel Middle School:

• TIDEL (Tulsa's Integrated Data for Expanded Learning): Integrated across Tulsa and Union Public Schools, TIDEL is a real-time data system that helps us track youth engagement, measure program impact, and inform continuous improvement. Learn more

• Affiliate Partners: Organizations that work closely with The Opp Project to co-design and implement high-quality, impactful programs for Tulsa's youth. Learn more

• Network Partners: A vibrant network of youth-serving organizations committed to providing a wide range of learning experiences, from STEM and the arts to sports and leadership development. Learn more

• Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): A structured, data-informed process that helps our partners reflect, assess, and enhance their programs, ensuring continuous growth and impact. Learn more

National Recognition & Local Impact

Our collective efforts have earned national recognition. In October 2023, Ready. Set. Summer! — a collaborative initiative with TPS — received the Excellence in Summer Learning Award from the National Summer Learning Association and the New York Life Foundation. This marked the first time in 30 years that a school district received this prestigious honor, highlighting what’s possible when schools and community partners work together.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Tulsa’s Future

While we celebrate these accomplishments, our work is far from over. Our vision is bold: a future where every young person in Tulsa — regardless of zip code — has access to expanded learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, build skills, and unlock their full potential.

The Expanded Learning Initiative is more than a program — it’s a movement. Anchored by data-driven insights, strengthened by collaboration, and fueled by a shared commitment to Tulsa’s youth, we are building a brighter future, one opportunity at a time.