High-Quality Youth Programming

To answer the question “How can Rec2Tech transformations and municipal makerspaces provide high-quality youth programming that is engaging and relevant to learners?”, participants explored contemporary pedagogical approaches that support youth engagement and learning. Specifically, participants identified four cornerstones of high-quality youth programming and made recommendations for each: Intentional Inclusion, Adult Support, Applied Learning, and Engagement Tactics.

• Intentional Inclusion: Participants suggested that in order to create environments where diverse groups of young people feel welcome, program providers and designers must first make an effort to understand where young participants are coming from. Providers can more fluently work with youth when they understand the culture of the community. The group suggested referencing national best practices for working in diverse communities. Participants suggested cultivating relationships, not only with youth, but also with families, local businesses, and nonprofits. Providers should make an effort to situate people of color in leadership and mentorship roles; professionals that share the same race, creed, or culture as the youth participant should be active in the space. Additionally, providers must address transportation issues. A program must either help youth get to the makerspace or create mobile programs that meet them where they are.
• Adult Support: High-quality youth programming requires talented and dedicated leaders, often at a high cost to providers. To sustain quality programs, providers must address the human capital pipeline in order to curtail high rates of educator and mentor turnover. When possible, makerspaces should invest in staff so that they can participate in training and certificate programs. Rec2Tech sites should not rely on existing staff to be ready to lead technology programming, but should also partner with organizations that can provide high quality programming. Recommendations included working within existing structures, partnering with universities for professional development and assessment metrics, and investing in outside talent. Adults should expect to build trust and community support over time; adult allies should learn from and alongside young people. Adults should also admit when they do not understand something and create an environment that normalizes online/digital learning.
• Applied Learning: At the meeting, participants expressed that young people are more likely to be engaged when their learning experiences are relevant to their daily life and their future goals. Accordingly, providers should establish connections with businesses and workforce programs, create projects based on local issues, and design kinesthetic learning opportunities. It’s important to recognize that applied learning may not look like traditional learning, which may be difficult for some providers and funders to understand. However, it is anticipated that young people will apply the knowledge, skills, and dispositions learned through applied learning experiences to future opportunities. As much as possible, Rec2Tech programs should make clear and direct connections between what youth are learning and future career opportunities they may pursue. To help youth apply their learning, give them time to reflect during program time. And, importantly, celebrate accomplishments by giving badges, certifications, and awards, and throwing parties.
• Engagement Tactics: Providers must build trust with participants and communities. Start simply and allow interest to move across the spectrum from consumption to production. Technology can be fascinating, but it is not always accessible; don’t assume participants are interested. Making can build confidence, so start with tactile materials first. Provide multiple entry-points for participants because there is not one method that will work for all learners. Programming should be youth-driven, to the greatest extent possible. Don’t expect the culture/community to grow overnight; allow it to organically mature over time. Remember, many young people are not encouraged to play or tinker in their early years, so this skill must be encouraged and nurtured.

See the rest of the Key Findings from the national Rec2Tech convening held on May 31, 2016.