-=- Nat'l Youth Center Elec. Network Proj. (fwd)

["Wade E. Grimes" <wgrimes1@SERVICES.DESE.STATE.MO.US>]

-=0=- ]\[ew and F Y I -=0=- probably more for elem staff.

(note:: the fwd posting has been edited to save space)  APA

comment :

I realize this is not a forum for debate.  However, I present the
atttached as a point of information.

Wade (wgrimes1services.dese.state.mo.us)

                        Objects in the rear view mirror
                          are closer than they may appear.
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National Youth Center Electronic Network Project Narrative

Introduction:

The National Youth Center Electronic Network Project is a demonstration
designed to help the leaders, staffs, and clients of community youth
centers serving low-income neighborhoods improve the lives and
opportunities of children and community members through the power of
information technology and worldwide electronic communications. The project
will electronically link youth centers across the country enabling these
agencies to improve the development and delivery of youth services and
programs. In addition, use of electronic networks will introduce the
concept of electronic communications into low-income neighborhoods in
meaningful and useful ways, treating the youth center as an information
superhighway point-of-entry.

Establishing internal electronic networks will improve service delivery of
youth programs, education and training within local youth centers.
Establishing national and international electronic links to other youth
centers will allow youth in low-income neighborhoods to interact with
others outside of their neighborhoods to improve their educational and
social development.

Objectives:

Electronic communications must be readily accessible to low-income
communities and should make use of existing electronic communications
networks.

Process:

The project will address these objectives by networking selected community
youth centers across the country and by developing local expertise to
facilitate the use of electronic communication technology.  Steps :

1. Train youth center staff in the use of electronic communications and
emerging computer technologies.

2. Develop and implement curricula focused on electronic communications and
emerging computer technologies for use in youth centers serving low-income
communities.


These curricula will address:

    a. electronic literacy, including technical skills;

    b. educational skills, including reading, writing, mathematics,
       and research;

    c. social skills, including group dynamics, self-esteem
       development, and expansion of the children's known world.

3. Build a repository of information about youth center programs,
curriculum models, drug abuse programs, counseling, intervention programs
and training courses, to be accessed and supported by youth center staff,
clients, and the community at large.

4. Establish a national network linking youth centers across the country to
facilitate both access to the repository and communication among youth
center staffs and clients.

5.  Build community electronic leadership skills through the training and
employment of high-school-aged low-income youth in youth centers.

6. Sponsor an annual youth center networking conference at which youth
center staffs and clients will share programs, ideas, and experiences
regarding the application of networking technology in community youth
centers.

Service Delivery Model:

LEAP operates educational and social development programming for 7 to 14
year-old children in seven sites in Connecticut -- five in New Haven and
one each in Hartford and New London -- all serving low-income communities.

Plugged In will:

1. develop curricula that teach electronic literacy skills;

2. provide training and support for youth center staff and young community
leaders;

3. develop collaborative projects which allow for joint learning
experiences between students in the different youth centers.

For even more information, contact director Bart Decrim at
PluggedIn@aol.com