The Da Vinci Science Center and the Allentown Public Library are creating a Virtual Studio for students in grades 8-12 in Lehigh and Carbon counties.

Participating students are developing 21st century media skills in face-to-face outreach programs run by the project in schools and community centers. The Virtual Studio is being created almost entirely by the youth who use it, working in a dedicated, password-protected virtual space. Students also can serve on the project’s Leadership Council.

Students also can to borrow equipment, including video cameras, iPods, and digital sound recorders through the Allentown Public Library and create media that speaks directly to themselves and their communities. As they work on their recordings, movies, and images, the students can share them with each other in the Virtual Studio, receive constructive feedback from other youth and from mentors, and enhance their work.

Project funding has been provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.



The IMLS and MacArthur Foundation’s Learning Labs Project is inspired by YOUmedia, an innovative teen learning space at the Chicago Public Library. Based on the latest research about how young people learn today, YOUmedia encourages teens to use both digital and traditional media to promote creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. The YOUmedia lab connects teens to mentors and peers, as well as anytime, anywhere access to information through online social networks so they can pursue their interests more deeply. It enables them to discover new opportunities and follow their passions by not only being consumers of media, but also creators of content.
 
Contact @DSC: Steve McGorry, 484.664.1002, Ext. 114