beacon - your city, your game with a map in the background

Beacon is a location-based game that transforms your community into an interactive learning experience.

WHY?

78%

of 8th graders are not proficient in civics 

NAEP Civics Assessment, 2018

1 in 6

Americans can’t name a single branch of government.

Annenberg Civics Knowledge Survey, 2023

60%

of rural youth, and about 1 in 3 suburban and urban youth, live in “civic deserts.”

Civic Health Index, 2017

46%

of Gen Z students say they aren’t having even one engaging classroom experience.

Gallup/ Walton Voices of Gen Z, 2024

woman waves from the pin on a map that says "current location"

Grounding learning in familiar locations deepens engagement by helping players explore topics through a local lens. 

What is beacon?

Beacon is a location-based learning game that transforms communities into interactive classrooms. Players become explorers: navigating maps, unlocking digital “beacons,” and completing challenges tied to real-world places—libraries, parks, city halls, and local landmarks.

The gameplay mixes curiosity and competition with real-world discovery. Players might solve trivia about local history, interview a community leader, capture photos of public art, or collect oral stories from neighbors. Each challenge builds knowledge—and also the sense that what they do in their community matters.

This works because learning is most powerful when it’s active and connected to real experiences. Instead of memorizing abstract facts, players learn by doing in the very places they pass every day. 

Beacon begins with civics because every student deserves the chance to understand and engage with the place they call home. But the same model can help them discover their community’s history, explore local ecosystems, or imagine future careers—all while strengthening their connection to the world just outside their door. Whatever the topic, Beacon makes learning local, memorable, and fun.

Who we support

Our mission is to help nonprofits, libraries, cities and other civic institutions advance civic learning and participation in their local communities.

  1. Municipalities and Public Departments
    Share how your local government works with tailored challenges for your city, town, village, county, or individual department.
  2. Local Nonprofits
    Nonpartisan, 501(c)3 organizations.
  3. Libraries and Museums
    Help visitors deeply engage with the unique stories, histories, projects, events and activities of your library or museum within the building and beyond.
  4. Universities and Colleges
    Support your school’s get out the vote and community engagement initiatives.
  5. Chambers of Commerce and Community Foundations
    Celebrate local nonprofits and businesses with community-wide games and challenges that bring together a variety of stakeholders.
  6. Local Businesses
    Local businesses and community event organizers can partner with Forward to add a game to your existing event in support of local organizations.

created by

Beacon was created by Libby Falck with the help of interns, volunteers, and community partners. An educator with k-college teaching experience, Libby previously worked at iCivics, the MIT Teaching Systems Lab, and IDEAco on projects that combine technology, storytelling, and design to engage millions of learners. She founded Forward Labs to continue that work, building tools and experiences that connect civics, history, and STEAM learning to everyday life.

Beacon has been supported by The Local Government Institute of Wisconsin, Create Wisconsin (fiscal sponsor), MIT Sandbox, and the MIT PKG Center, alongside the energy of volunteers who believe in making learning fun, local, and hands-on!

Say hello!