The YOUmedia program began in 2006 as a collaboration between the Chicago Public Library and researchers studying how digital technologies influence learning in youth. Led by researcher Mimi Ito, the program is based on a "connected learning" approach where teens can explore interests through peer and mentor support. At the YOUmedia space in the Harold Washington Library, 350-500 teens visit weekly to engage in activities like making, gaming, and creative writing with support from staff. Studies found the program helped teens improve skills, awareness of opportunities, and relationships with adults.

1. Chicago
http://www.slideshare.net/adriennestrock

2. History: Funding
In 2006, the John D. and Catherine T.
MacArthur Foundation launched a five-year,
$50 million Digital Media and Learning
Initiative to help determine how digital
technologies are changing the way young
people learn, play, socialize, and participate
in civic life. --youmediachicago.org

3. History:
Research & Design

4. Research:
Mimi Ito
HOMAGO

5. HOMAGO Design
Hanging Out

6. HOMAGO Design
Messing Around

7. HOMAGO Design
Geeking Out

8. YOUmedia: Branches

9. YOUmedia: Branches

10. YOUmedia: Branches

11. YOUmedia: Branches

12. YOUmedia: Branches

13. New Research:
Connected Learning
"Connected Learning occurs when a young
person is able to follow a personal interest
or passion with the support of peers and
caring adults and can link this interest or
learning to academic achievement, career
success, or civic engagement."
-- Penny Bender Sebring, et al. Teens, Digital Media,
and the Chicago Public Library

15. Partnerships and
Collaborations

17. "Hive Chicago is a
network of civic and
cultural institutions
dedicated to transforming
the learning landscape by
creating opportunities for
youth to explore their
interests through
connected learning
experiences."
--www.hivechicago.org

19. Teens at the Harold
Washington Library
Center

21. Penny Bender
Sebring, Eric R.
Brown, Kate M.
Julian, Stacy B.
Ehrlich, Susan E.
Sporte, Erin
Bradley, and Lisa
Meyer

22. YOUmedia Users:
● 350-500 individual teens visit weekly.
● 39 percent reported attending weekly
for over a year.
● 40 percent are African-American males.
-- Penny Bender Sebring, et al. Teens, Digital Media, and the Chicago
Public Library

23. YOUmedia Users:
-- Penny Bender
Sebring, et al.
Teens, Digital
Media, and the
Chicago Public
Library

24. YOUmedia Users:
● 89 percent believe it's cool to be excited
about interests at YOUmedia.
● 57 percent report improving one or more
digital media skills because of YOUmedia.
● Over half report YOUmedia helping to
improve school work, writing, and
relationships with adults.
-- Penny Bender Sebring, et al. Teens, Digital Media, and
the Chicago Public Library

25. YOUmedia Users:
● Nearly 75 percent report a greater
awareness of post-high school
opportunities because of YOUmedia.
● 65 percent report a connection with at
least one adult in YOUmedia.
-- Penny Bender Sebring, et al. Teens, Digital Media, and
the Chicago Public Library

26. Program DIscussion:
Featured Programs

27. Maker Lab

28. Homeschool Group

29. Library of Games

30. YOUlit

31. Resources:
http://www.slideshare.net/adriennestrock
● http://www.youmedia.org/toolkit
● http://dmlcentral.net/
● http://connectedlearning.tv/
● http://www.digitalyouthnetwork.org/
● http://www.hivechicago.org/
● http://www.thenewsliteracyproject.org/
● https://www.fusestudio.net/
● http://ccsr.uchicago.edu/publications/teens-digital-
media-and-chicago-public-library
● http://www.flickr.com/photos/youmediachicago
● http://libraryofgames.org/
● http://youlitmagazine.org/