Saint Paul Public Library

The Saint Paul Learning Labs Project will enable Saint Paul Public Library and its partner, the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department, to create a comprehensive plan integrating best practices for digital engagement for youth. The project will include a shared facility, a mobile lab, and the online iRemix portal. The library will draw on the strengths of the extensive network of out-of-school-time organizations in Saint Paul to create learning objectives and measurement tools based on the “learner, contributor, navigator” framework for youth development currently in use across the city. In the city of Saint Paul, 25% of the population is under 18, 72% of this student population qualify for free or reduced lunches and 36% are English language learners. These new spaces will help provide safe, resource rich environments where youth, especially “at risk” urban youth, can “hang out, mess around, and geek out” on projects that help them gain 21st century skills.