What We Do

ZAG Lab

ZAG Project is committed to education both inside the school environment and in corporate settings. Our ZAG Lab School Curriculum is a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) focused curriculum that equips students with the tools to celebrate and surprise themselves and others, fostering greater self-confidence, self-awareness, and compassion. Research shows that Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs have as great a long-term impact on academic growth as programs designed specifically to support academic learning (Mahoney, Durlak, and Weissberg, 2018). Our ZAG Lab Corporate Offerings are able to be customized for your organization's needs.

HOW WE DO THIS:

  • ZAG Lab has developed a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) focused curriculum that equips students with the tools to celebrate and surprise themselves and others, fostering greater self-confidence, self-awareness, and compassion. Research shows that Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs have as great a long-term impact on academic growth as programs designed specifically to support academic learning. (Mahoney, Durlak, and Weissberg, 2018)

    Students engage in neighborhood projects that brighten someone’s day, such as May Day celebrations and writing handwritten cards to seniors. The curriculum emphasizes our core values: The Magic of Surprise, The Power of Play, and The Reciprocity of Joy. It also challenges the idea that creativity is exclusive. We know that everyone has something to express when given the space and opportunity.

  • Bring more joy to your work culture with ZAG Lab workshops. Our ZAG Lab Corporate Offerings are able to be customized for your organization's needs.

    ZAG Labs Corporate Workshops:

    • Build Cultures of Belonging

    • Reduce Stress & Burnout

    • Increase Joy & Engagement

    • Strengthen Team Dynamics

    • Improve Customer & Client Experience

Large conference room filled with numerous people from Arapahoe County seated at round tables, some engaged in conversation, a large screen at the front displays a welcome message from ZAG Project.
ZAG Project team member standing at front of classroom in front of a large screen and whiteboard with students sitting on the floor facing him, one student raising hand.
ZAG Project smiley face graphic surrounded by blue text that reads 'GO OUT OF YOUR WAY TO BRIGHTEN SOMEONE'S DAY'.

Pops of Joy

ZAG Project partners with volunteers, donors, artists, musicians, and local organizations to curate pleasant surprises. Our projects range from interactive art, musical performances, and flash mobs, to acts of kindness in everyday places like parks, transit stations, and schools.


Why Surprise Matters:
Research shows a pleasant surprise increases curiosity, excitement, and wonder, intensifying emotions by up to 400% (Surprise: Embrace the Unpredictable and Engineer the Unexpected). Adding elements like art, animals, and kindness releases brain chemicals linked to happiness and well-being.

HOW WE DO THIS:

    • Animals: Service dogs (Bern Bright), puppy visits

    • Art & Music: Welcome mats, murals, group art projects, singalongs, dance parties

    • Physical Play: Parachute games, ZAG Zone activities

    • Surprise Initiatives: Spontaneous joy activations, red carpets, popsicles, winter bags

  • We host monthly volunteer events, engaging the community and supporting our nonprofit collaborators.

    Sign up for our newsletter or volunteer with us!

  • ZAG Project offers workshops for businesses and nonprofits on managing stress, preventing burnout, and fostering well-being through mindfulness, identifying signs of stress and burnout, and community engagement.

A woman with dark hair smiling while holding a puppy from Lifeline Puppy Rescue outdoors in front of a brick building.
Our team at the ZAG Project Booth at the Englewood Block Party with a bright orange canopy, decorated with colorful knitted flowers. A blue banner reads "We curate moments of joy, where people feel seen and celebrated." The area has a patterned green
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ZAG Mag

ZAG Mag is a printed publication that was created to provide people with moments of pause in our chaotic world. In the pages, you’ll find stories and examples of ways that ZAG Project is bringing joy and connection to those in the Denver Metro area, as well as:

  • Interactive activities

  • Stories and ideas from local contributors

  • Journal Prompts

  • A DIY project and a recipe

  • Ways to find joy

  • ...and more!

Magazines can be picked up at CAFE 180 (3315 S. Broadway, Englewood, CO 80235). CAFE 180 is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

PURCHASE YOUR COPY
A copy of the first issue of ZAG Mag resting on a green, tufted leather armchair.