21st Century Learning Hubs

 What is a 21st Century Learning Hub?

In an effort to promote Computer Science (CS) and STEM education for students across the SHINEonPA STEM Ecosystem is seeking interested applicants for 21st Century Learning Hubs in in and out-of-school libraries and community centers. Our goal is to  cultivate a regional approach to hands-on CS/STEM education by extending our “Model Makerspace Roadmap” to at least twelve additional in and out-of-school libraries. Organizations are being invited to apply to participate in the execution of our grant award. Along with the provision of these STEM makerspace tools, participants will participate in professional training related to the effective use of the equipment they select. 

Why is This Important?

These 21st Century Learning Hubs will include tools meant to be inclusive of all students in K-8 and are meant to target under-resourced school and community libraries that lack access to the tools children can use to explore STEM-based phenomena. Locations will be selected based on need, under-represented student populations, and equitable geographic distribution. 

The 21st Century Learning Hubs will serve two purposes: 1) to increase CS and STEM resources for students who have not traditionally had access to this form of instruction, and 2) to provide library media specialists with a hands-on opportunity to experience effective use of the space and resources. A series of professional development modules will give library media specialists in-depth guidance on setting up a makerspace and using the equipment with students. This training will support a paradigm shift away from traditional library configuration towards a student-centered hands-on approach that encourages individual student growth and discovery.