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The YOUmedia Learning Lab Network is a national network dedicated to helping high school students access the resources they need to achieve their goals.  YOUmedia emphasizes digital media and the maker movement -- teens can engage in a variety of projects including graphic design, audio and video creation and production, photography, 3D printing, STEM, and art.  Whether it's a career, educational, or a personal goal YOUmedia is designed to reach young people where they are, provide them with the tools to stretch their talents and interests in new ways, and help them find their voice.  

 

The first YOUmedia, located in Chicago, opened in 2009.  Since then, over 25 more YOUmedia Learning Labs have opened across the country.  YOUmedia Springfield is the only learning lab developed by a consortium of school districts. 

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Each Learning Lab has its own unique flavor, but we do share common characteristics derived from the principles of Connected Learning and HOMAGO (hanging out, messing around and geeking out):

 

• A welcoming, inclusive space designed to promote exploration, tinkering, and production

• Opportunities to connect and extend learning through critique, collaboration, and sharing

• Programming that nudges youth to stretch their imaginations and abilities, build new skills, and explore self-interests

• Badging, showcases or other options for documenting new skills and recognizing learning

• Equipment that taps into the power of digital media to connect and create in fresh ways

• Interest-driven projects that foster 21st-century skills and support academic, college, career and life goals.

• Mentoring that guides young people toward the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that will help them be successful on their own terms.  

 

YOUmedia Springfield is a dynamic, flexible, and highly creative space designed to inspire collaboration and creativity.  It's located in the Greater Springfield CareerConnectED Center under the historic dome.  Teens can work with mentors—professional artists, writers, and media makers—  to become makers, creators, and producers.  Our mentors are tech geeks and artists; they are role models and all-the-way amazing people.  Because of this approach our youth are knowledge enthusiasts and crazy-awesome gamers; they are teachers and they are leaders.  

 

Stop by and see for yourself :)     

 

 

Information source: YOUMedia Network