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G2S Project Code: 2022-IL-91095
State: Illinois
Fiscal Year: 2022
Grantee
HIGHWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Laura Ramirez
Director Phone: (847) 432-5404
Director Email: Lramirez@highwoodlibrary.org
General Information
Title: STE(A)M-Powered Teens
State Project Code: 23-3008-PNG
Start Date: 07/01/2022
End Date: 09/30/2023
Abstract: The STE(A)M-Powered Teens program created stimulating, hands-on STE(A)M learning experiences for Highwood's at-risk middle and high school students. With its blend of structured and open-ended enrichment activities, the STE(A)M-Powered Teens program encouraged inclusive exploration, creation, innovation, and collaboration. It also broadened students' horizons and introduced pathways towards future academic or career success. Carefully selected mentors fostered the development of self-confidence and pride in their students by helping them gain the knowledge and skills necessary for future educational and professional success. Supported by trusted, empathetic staff members and volunteers, the programming included weekly workshops (Saturday Maker Series) that allowed participating youth to engage with digital media and technology; such as 3D printing, clay animation, sewing, video, and music production.
State Goal: Goal 2: Lifelong Learning.
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$40,000.00
$0.00
$0.00
$40,000.00
Intent(s)
Improve users' general knowledge and skills.
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)
Activities
Activity Details
Title: STE(A)M-Powered Teens - Instruction Activity
Narrative: The STE(A)M-Powered Teens afterschool program created stimulating, hands-on STE(A)M learning experiences for Highwood's at-risk middle and high school students. With its blend of structured and open-ended enrichment activities, the STE(A)M-Powered Teens program encouraged inclusive exploration, creation, innovation, and collaboration. It also broadened students' horizons and introduced pathways toward future academic or career success. Carefully selected mentors fostered the development of self-confidence and pride in the students by helping them gain the knowledge and skills necessary for future educational and professional success. Supported by trusted, empathetic staff members and volunteers, programming included weekly workshops such as Maker Mondays that allowed participating youth to engage with digital media and technology.
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 24
Average number in attendance per session: 11
Number of times program administered: 1


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Suburban
For what age groups: 6-12 years
13-17 years
For what economic types: Below Poverty
For what ethnicity types: Hispanic
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: HIGHWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 102 HIGHWOOD AVENUE
City: HIGHWOOD
State: IL
Zip: 60040
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: STE(A)M-Powered Teens - Procurement Activity
Narrative: [Software]: (2) ADOBE [Hardware]: USB MICROPHONE, INDUCTION COOKTOP, CONVECTION OVEN, HEADPHONES, (2) IPADS FOR MAKERSPACE, (2) SEWING & QUILTING MACHINES, MAKERSPACE CAMERA, GLOWFORGE, CRICUT MAKER 3 EVERYTHING BUNDLE [Supplies]: LARGE ADJUSTABLE DRESS FORM, CLAY CONDITIONING MACHINE, TOOLS 8-INCH ARCRYLIC CLAY ROLLER, OVEN-SAFE WORK MAT 3 PACK, WOOD AND LEATHER PYROGRAPHY PEN, SCULPEY BEAD MAKER, SCULPEY ESSENTIAL TOOK KIT, SCULPEY CLAY EXTRUDER, SCULPEY SCULPTING TOOL SET, FABRIC PENS, CRICUT CASE, CARDSTOCK, TOTE BAGS, BUTTONS, EMBROIDERY HOOPS, CLAMPS, WOOD GLUE, WOOD BLANKS, CLOCK MECHANISMS, MODELING CLAY, POLYMER CLAY, GLOVES, CONDUCTIVE THREAD, NEEDLES, FABRIC, EMBROIDERY HOOPS AND THREAD, NEEDLE & THREAD, GLO FLASHLIGHT, CLAY CONDITIONING MACHINE, VISE, WOOD PYROGRAPHY, SAFETY GLASSES, DRILL & BITS FOR MAKERSPACE, ROTARY TOOL FOR MAKERSPACE, TRANSFER PAPER, VINYL, PATCHES, NEEDLES, PLASTIC, SANDPAPER, GLOVES, MITER BOX, FABRIC AND BACKER, WOODEN NUMBERS AND BUTTONS, CUPS AND STRAWS, BALSA WOOD, WOOD LOG SLICES, BOOKBINDING KIT, X-ACTO SAW SET, TABLET HOLDER & PHONE CLIP, FLOWER WOODEN CUTOUTS, LEGO BASEPLATE, SMALL HAMMER, BIRDHOUSES, MITER SHEARS, NAILS, KERF SAW, MINI WOODEN LOGS, VIVI MINI FIGURE TOY, MAKER SERIES DRILL BITS, MAKER SERIES IPAD CASES, SUGARCANE PAPER, LUX CARDSTOCK, PAPER CORNER ROUNDER, CROCHET HOOKS, ROTARY TOOL BIT, HEAT GUN, CRICUT SUPPLIES BUNDLE, 2 SEWING MACHINE PADS, CRAFT CAFE FOOD SCIENCE SUPPLIES, ZANIMATION STUDIO KIT, FISKARS ROTARY SEWING CUTTING SET - 3 PIECE
Intent: Improve users' general knowledge and skills.

Activity: Content
Mode: Acquisition
Format: Physical


Quantity
Number of hardware acquired: 11
Number of software acquired: 2
Number of licensed databases acquired: 0
Number of print materials (books & government documents) acquired: 0
Number of electronic materials acquired: 0
Number of audio/visual units (audio discs, talking books, other recordings) acquired: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Suburban
For what age groups: 6-12 years
13-17 years
For what economic types: Below Poverty
For what ethnicity types: Hispanic
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: HIGHWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 102 HIGHWOOD AVENUE
City: HIGHWOOD
State: IL
Zip: 60040
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
84% of participating youth demonstrated increased confidence and personal growth, as they achieved success through project-based learning, 93% of participating youth demonstrated increased knowledge, skills, and learning through technology-based experiences, and 87% of youth demonstrated an enhanced ability to deal with life experiences, develop critical thinking skills, and prepare for the future.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Programming was appealing to students who lost their love for learning, felt marginalized in the traditional school environment, and/or struggled academically. This program's ability to help youth increase knowledge, technology-based skills, and develop critical thinking skills providing a gateway to academic re-engagement, improved confidence, and a desire to continue learning.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The Teen Advisory Board had the opportunity to provide input on the STE(A)M activities offered and acted as mentors. Empowering teens to help shape programming and act as a resource for other youth has been instrumental to the success of this program.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: STEAM, STEM, Teens