Youth Learning Labs Modeled on Chicago’s YOUmedia to Expand Across the Country
9.16.10 | The MacArthur Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) today announced plans to create 30 new youth learning labs in libraries and museums nationwide. These labs will be modeled on YOUmedia, an innovative digital space for teens, at the Chicago Public Library.
Based on new research about how young people learn today, YOUmedia blends cutting-edge digital media with traditional media along with strong mentoring to help teens become creators, not just consumers, of media. [For more watch the video below.]
With $4 million in funding, MacArthur and IMLS will begin a planning process to launch a national competition to create 30 new learning labs like YOUmedia in libraries and museums across the nation.
Other partners helping to support the new learning labs include the C. S. Mott, Grable, John S. and James L. Knight, Mozilla and Pearson foundations, and the Chicago and New York Community Trusts.
The competition application process, which will include a request for proposals, will be announced in 2011. Check back with Spotlight regularly for stories and updates.
“This partnership helps to advance IMLS efforts to make libraries and museums places for 21st century learning. Projects like YOUmedia are pioneering efforts that use research and evidence to demonstrate how our nation’s libraries and museums can be powerful and innovative spaces for young people’s out-of-school learning,” said Marsha L. Semmel, IMLS acting director.
To receive updates to the MacArthur/IMLS learning labs project, sign up here.
For additional information visit:
• John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
• MakeItStick.org
• Institute of Museum and Library Services
• YOUMedia
• Learning Studio
Leave a comment
Comments are moderated to ensure topic relevance and generally will be posted quickly.
