YouthLink: Comprehensive, Innovative and Advanced Digital Technology Experiences for Underserved Teens
Principal Investigator
Paige Ramey
Bay Area Video Coalition
Project Location
San Francisco, California
Website
Over three years, YouthLink will engage 120 teens in informal, IT-intensive educational experiences that promote IT skills identified by national NETS standards and develop student interest in IT-intensive study and careers. Historically underrepresented populations – low-income students, students of color, girls, disabled, teen parents, and second language learners – are recruited through established partnerships with San Francisco’s educational and non-profit organizations. Outreach, engagement and retention strategies are targeted to the specific needs of these populations, and include paid participation and a unique focus on self-expression through digital media technologies for web, video, and audio. Students engage in a year-round schedule of basic and advanced technology training, hands-on digital technology projects, field internships, self-directed interactive learning, and activities that promote understanding of IT education and careers among their network of peers, parents, teachers, and case managers. Total contact hours during the twelve-month period are 240 hours, including 60 hours in IT field internships.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
- Winter 2004: Basic and Advanced Video and Web Production Curricula aligned with NETS standards
- Winter 2004: Outreach to young adults and family members performed
- First quarter 2005: two Basic Video and one Basic Web sessions begin