Robinson Community Learning Center

Located just south of Notre Dame, the Robinson Community Learning Center (RCLC) is a learning center and gathering place for Northeast Neighborhood residents, offering educational programming for youth and adults as well as classes, clubs and lectures for seniors.

The center hosts Take Ten, a youth violence prevention program, and the Robinson Shakespeare Company, an award-winning theater and outreach program for area youth.

Scheduled for completion in 2020, the new 12,600-square-foot center, featuring new and expanded learning and gathering spaces, will replace the existing 7,500-square-foot RCLC. The new building was designed by Alliance Architects of South Bend with input from RCLC youth, staff and neighbors.

In addition to on-site parking, green space and natural light — the current RCLC lacks windows — the new center, at Eddy and Howard streets, will feature:

• A “black box” multi-use performance space for the Robinson Shakespeare Company. The space may also be used for music, dance and other activities, and as a community resource.

• A maker space/technology lab. With support from the Chicago Blackhawks and National Hockey League, the maker space and lab will provide access to computers, printers and other technology as well as “maker” materials and supplies, and it will support professional training and development.

• A state-of-the-art early childhood classroom. The classroom will support existing classes and programs, including English as a new or second language programs and Talk with Your Baby. The classroom will meet state standards for licensing and Paths to Quality, Indiana’s rating system for early childhood care and education.

• An industrial kitchen. The kitchen will support snack and meal programs for RCLC students. It will meet all health, safety and licensing standards.

The new center will also feature a number of familiar spaces, including a large gathering room beyond the entryway, a large multipurpose classroom, a library and a conference room.

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