Cornerstones has developed an experiential learning opportunity that teaches Hispanic and Native American high school students about the importance of cultural and historic preservation.

     Cornerstones Applied Learning Program provides a dualistic approach to preservation. 

    First is the classroom component, a Preservation Studies Curriculum that includes the study of vernacular earthen architecture, and the development of art and architectural techniques.  Students are challenged to create works of art reflecting their cultural and vernacular architecture using these techniques.  This experiential opportunity promotes a better understanding of their cultural environment, and helps develop capabilities in graphic communication.  The development of these skills is essential to the preservation process and its key components: documentation, interpretation, restoration, and maintenance.

Pueblo of Acoma Students

     Second, is the hands-on component where students apply the knowledge they've learned to a preservation project in their communities.  Students receive technical guidance from Cornerstones' staff in areas such as adobe brick making, adobe restoration techniques, and basic carpentry skills.

Mora Valley Youth participants

Current Applied Learning Projects