Brade_ HCLS Press Release

Draft Howard County Library System Launches a Media Rich Digital Lab

Howard County Library System (HCLS) is launching a media rich learning lab for youth to elevate their awareness of science, technology, engineering, and math topics. The new lab will be headquartered in the newly expanded areas of our Savage Branch.

The media rich lab was developed by HCLS with grant funding. The project combines state-of-the-art multimedia tools, software, technical consultants, mentors, and networkingall delivered to teens in an inviting, youth-oriented atmosphere. It is targeted to open in summer 2012. The benefit to this project is that it invites youth into a space and time to explore as they see fit and experience education in a new and enlightening way. In the lab, teens will work individually and collaboratively on STEM-based projects.

Brade HCLS Proposal What Howard County Library System (HCLS) is a leader in education, community engagement, and workforce development. We are proposing to create a unique Media Rich Learning Lab for youth ages 11 to 18 in approximately 4,000 square feet of renovated space at our Savage Branch as part of our mission to deliver high-quality public education for all ages, and to expand our reach to underserved youth. Why The community of Savage in Howard County has 3,000+ youth of various economic, social, and ethnic backgrounds who live within 6.5 miles of the HCLS Savage Branch. Many are on free or reduced lunch and do not have digital resources at home. Middle and high-school students from the neighboring area visit the Savage Branch each day after school and on weekends. Some of them routinely stay at the branch until their parents get home from work. Current branch space is limited and constrains the type of classes that can be offered; youth have been turned away because of space limitations. Currently the Savage Branchs youth activities include homework assistance, personal tutoring, basic computer games, and board games. The development of this lab is part of HCLS mission to deliver high quality education for all ages, and will build upon promising models for libraries to create media rich centers that educate to innovate. HCLS has assembled a team of highly qualified professionals to work in conjunction with the youth This media rich lab fits squarely in our HCLS 2010-2015 Strategic Plan which proposes the development of an after-school technology institute, with the specific goal of developing youth who are digitally literate, confident and inquisitive, and responsible members of the community. Our partners will be (1) a research company that will enable us to learn and document our process and customers interaction and services to produce a repeatable model. HCLS Learning Lab will address the overall needs of the youth in the community by providing: 1. A dedicated facility for youth to Hang Out, Mess Around, and Geek Out (HOMAGO) in a safe and comfortable place outside of the structured school environment. Since there are no other facilities near the Savage or North Laurel area to accommodate teens within walking distance except the branch, a dedicated space for teens in this growing residential community is vital. 2. State of the art equipment enabling both non-structured and structured interactions with digital media and emerging technologies. 3. An informal learning environment that will illuminate technology and inform participants on 21st century job skills (IMLS 2009). HCLS aims to be a launching point for the STEM pipeline, producing the future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers needed to fill highly-skilled jobs that exist in the community. The community is home to a number of large STEM-oriented employers such as Ft. Meade, NASA, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Lockheed Martin, SAIC, Northrop Grumman, and W.R. Grace, and is an excellent source for mentors in STEM fields. Youth who are connected to knowledgeable adults gain information and skills, and increase their access to community resources (Sullivan & Larson, 2010). HCLS recognizes the importance of orienting the youth in the community toward the skills needed to pursue these careers of

the future. The lab will be instrumental in enhancing technical knowledge, encouraging independent learning, and supporting youth in pursuing higher education opportunities and/or jobs close by. 4. A unifying and interactive environment. The lab will increase and improve both virtual and in-person peer to peer social interconnectivity through events for youth exchanges and through the use of iRemix as an online social network and collaboration tool with remote access. HCLS recognizes that establishing an environment that is safe for selfexpression and improvisation is vital. The lab will sponsor regular forums to identify themes, projects, speakers, and tools desired by the youth. The lab fits squarely in the three pillars of our curriculum, and is a logical progression and expansion of our existing STEM activities focused on the primary-school aged audience.