The purpose of the program is two-fold: equipping children and teen librarians with tools and knowledge to support the practice of literacy skills through discovery of information and workshops; and exposing children and teens to news literacy concepts by incorporating them into the Chicago Public Library Summer Learning Challenge program and into summer jobs at CPL offered through One Summer Chicago.
Through the Summer Learning Challenge program, children have the opportunity to take a more in depth look—Dig Deeper—at the themes in each of the eight Brain Builder activities, a fun way to investigate animals and practice STEAM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). The Dig Deeper online guide provides resources to help kids start their discovery.
Teens participating in the Teen Summer Challenge program have the opportunity to collect a news-related badge by responding to the Newsworthy Animals Challenges. By exploring controversial facts, nuances, and opinions that place animals in the headlines, the weekly news-related challenges offer teens a thematic way to read, discover and create, while practicing critical thinking skills.
Since 1873, the Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment and knowledge through innovative services and programs, as well as cutting-edge technology. Through its 80 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits and programs for children, teens and adults.
The Chicago Public Library Foundation is an independent, non-profit charitable organization founded 28 years ago by visionary civic and cultural leaders who continue to believe that private contributions are essential to keeping Chicago’s Public Library truly world class. In that time, the Foundation has provided more than $55 million dollars in private support for technology, collections and program innovation which enhance the City’s investment in its outstanding Library.
70,000
children and teens participating in the Summer Learning Challenge 2014 will be exposed to news literacy concepts.
400 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605
Jeremy Dunn
Why News Matters is a $6 million grantmaking program of
the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. It is designed to enhance
news literacy skills and programs in Chicago and nationwide.