Chicago Summer Of Learning Jumps Off At The Library

Published: June 26, 2013

What kind of summer will you have this year? Don't spend those precious hours wasting away on your couch - set an active pace, see the city, and develope your skills by participating in the citywide Chicago Summer of Learning. This summer students have the chance to collect and earn "badges," a digital representation of your skills and knowledge. Compete with your friends and unlock new opportunities, including a citywide showcase to display your art.

The Thurgood Marshall library (at 75th and Racine) is the perfect place to get your introduction to badges. The YOUmedia staff can help you sign up - earn your first badge in an area that interests you (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), or set you up with self-paced challenges you can complete on your own time. Everywhere you go this summer you're going to see badge opportunities - get a head start now.

YOUmedia is completely free, and only requires a library card in order to have access to check out all of our equipment. We've got cameras, flip video recorders, laptops, tablets, Playstation 3, DJ control and music making software. The equipment must stay in the space, but there's not time limit - and our mentors are there to provide workshops and training. Don't just consume this summer - get your hands dirty and create.

Students capture their community with Ms. Vivian's photography workshop

YOUmedia at the Thurgood Marshall branch is a dedicated middle school space - so any high school students looking to get involved should head downtown to the Harold Washington library first floor, where they'll find other students their age ready to hang out and collaborate.