[YL] Youthlearn Newsletter, Issue 145

Tue Dec 2 15:26:39 EST 2008

YouthLearn
Newsletter, Issue 145 - December 2, 2008

The YouthLearn Newsletter compiles the latest entries to the YouthLearn News Blog. This service to the YouthLearn community highlights youth, education, and technology news, tools, and resources. We hope this assists you in your important work. Please feel free to share this resource with friends and colleagues, and visit the News Blog often! http://news.youthlearn.org <http://news.youthlearn.org/> 

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News 

Ten ways to boost learning with technology
"Urging policy makers and school leaders 'to take bold steps ... to improve education for America's 21st-century leaders,' the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) has issued new guidance for reforming the nation's schools with the help of technology. Hoping to reach the attention of a new administration and Congress, SETDA's 'Class of 2020: Action Plan for Education' notes that every child entering kindergarten this year deserves a high-quality, 21st-century education. The plan includes several white papers, a Student Bill of Rights, and a set of 10 recommendations to improve teaching and learning using technology."
URL: http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/index.cfm?i=56081 <http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/index.cfm?i=56081> 

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Funding 

MTV and Ashoka GenV Invite Young People to Submit Ideas for the Environment
"MTV Switch, MTV Networks International's global climate change campaign, and Ashoka GenV are inviting young people to submit their creative ideas for improving the environment through the 'Dream It. Do It' challenge. Applicants will be eligible for seed funding awards of up to $1,000 each to make their ideas a reality. Up to twenty-five grants will be awarded through the challenge. The best projects may also be featured in a half-hour MTV documentary scheduled for Earth Day 2009... The challenge is open to all youth between the ages of 12 and 20 in North America and Europe and 12 and 24 everywhere else... Ideas and action plans may be submitted in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French." Deadline: December 31, 2008
URL: http://www.mtv-venture.org <http://www.mtv-venture.org/> 
Referred by: Foundation Center

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Resources 

National Girls Collaborative Project Program Directory
"The goal of the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) is to maximize access to shared resources within projects and with public and private sector organizations and institutions interested in expanding girls' participation in science, technology, engineering, and math. More information and resources are available at the project Web site. One of the valuable NGCP resources is the free, online Program Directory. The Program Directory lists programs and resources that encourage girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The purpose of the directory is to help organizations and individuals network, share resources, and collaborate on STEM-related projects for girls."
URL: http://ngcproject.org/directory/ <http://ngcproject.org/directory/> 

CJC's Cultural Competency Guide
The Chicago Jobs Council Cultural Competency and Employment Initiative offers this concise guide as a resource for organizations based in Chicago and beyond: Ready? Set. Grow! A Starter's Guide for Becoming Culturally Competent. The authors explain, "Workforce development organizations must recognize and value a diverse set of skills and abilities from their employees and job seekers and provide a workplace environment that is nurturing. CJC believes that creating a nurturing environment and addressing racial, ethnic, and other cultural issues, will lead to more productive workers and better opportunities and outcomes for job seekers. This guide is provided to assist you as you begin to explore diversity training and pursue the building of a more culturally competent organization."
URL: http://www.cjc.net/publications/5_Capacity_Building_PDFs/ReadySetGrow_StarterGuide_CultComp.pdf <http://www.cjc.net/publications/5_Capacity_Building_PDFs/ReadySetGrow_StarterGuide_CultComp.pdf> 

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Activities 

I Was Wondering - Women's Adventures in Science
I Was Wondering is an engaging online space comprised of interactive activities, such as games, comics, forums, and a timeline, that highlight scientific explorations and celebrate women scientists. It is one of the resources highlighted in the Technology Curriculum Database launched earlier this year, which was developed by YouthLearn for the U.S. Department of Education-funded National Partnership for Quality Afterschool Learning at SEDL. This resource supports young people, especially girls, in learning the fundamental skills of scientific investigation and empowers them to tackle such adventures. Complementing the ten-volume series of biographies entitled Women's Adventures in Science, the website showcases the accomplishments of contemporary women scientists. The National Academy of Sciences developed this resource in order to deepen young people's understanding of science concepts, careers, and the valuable role that women have played in the advancement of science. Hands-on science lab activities and the biography series move the learning off line - and the comprehensive Teacher Guide provides tips on implementing the activities. 
URL: http://www.iwaswondering.org <http://www.iwaswondering.org/> 

Afterschool Activities from the How Stuff Works Website
"Kids don't stop learning when they come home from school. The after-school activities for kids on these pages are entertaining, educational ways to engage kids and keep their curious minds working when they're not in the classroom. From physically active hula-hoop games that teach cooperation to kite-making projects good for blustery fall afternoons, these after-school activities will provide hours of learning and laughs for your kids and their friends." The site also links to afterschool games, crafts, and more activities for young people.
URL: http://home.howstuffworks.com/after-school-activities.htm <http://home.howstuffworks.com/after-school-activities.htm> 

We welcome your feedback!

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YouthLearn
http://www.youthlearn.org <http://www.youthlearn.org/> 

This newsletter is produced by the YouthLearn Initiative at EDC especially for
members of the YouthLearn discussion group. Every two weeks, the newsletter is
compiled from the entries in the YouthLearn News Blog <http://news.youthlearn.org/> , including summaries
from various sources that YouthLearn staff periodically review.

Past newsletters are archived at http://www.youthlearn.org/resources/newsletter/index.html <http://www.youthlearn.org/resources/newsletter/index.html> . 

YouthLearn is a project of the nonprofit Education Development Center, Inc. <http://www.edc.org/> 
Designed for youth development professionals, teachers, educators, and other
caring adults, YouthLearn provides resources and tools for developing effective
learning programs enhanced with technology, particularly in out-of-school settings.

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