CPL Commissioner Brian BannonCPL Commissioner Brian Bannon speaks during the press conference announcing new public and private investment in YOUmedia. (credit: Brooke Collins)
Mayor EmanuelMayor Emanuel and Ald. Laurino (39th) visit with teens in Albany Park’s YOUmedia. (credit: Brooke Collins)
YOUmedia alumA YOUmedia alum reflects on his positive experiences.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Public Library (CPL) Commissioner Brian Bannon, the Chicago Public Library Foundation and BMO Harris Bank CEO Dave Casper today announced significant investments in the Library’s YOUmedia program for teens. Private support, highlighted by a $1 million gift over three years from BMO Harris Bank to the Chicago Public Library Foundation, as well as generous support from Allstate, will specifically support YOUmedia programming. Due to the popular demand and heavy utilization of YOUmedia, which currently operates teen digital media labs in 12 libraries, the City of Chicago plans to expand YOUmedia to 17 library locations by 2018.
“YOUmedia is about empowering teens by exposing them to technology and encouraging them to innovate and create—investing in this program is investing in our teens and the future of our city,” Mayor Emanuel said. “I’m grateful for corporate partners like BMO Harris Bank that are stepping up for Chicago’s youth.”
YOUmedia, a nationally recognized program, builds on young people’s interest in technology and creating by connecting them with skilled mentors to engage them in active learning in a teens-only space. The free media labs and programs use the Connected Learning model to create links between students' academic studies, their personal passions, and opportunities to engage with peers who support and share their interests. YOUmedia also offers teens access to mentors and librarians who share their expertise in various areas of digital media production. In 2016, CPL witnessed a nearly 15 percent increase in general attendance at YOUmedia locations, numbering 45,772 sessions.
Programs and workshops focus on career exploration, science, fashion, making, using 3D printers and laser cutters, music production, photography, animation and graphic design. At its core, YOUmedia is about helping teens explore their interests and their identity by providing them access to a production-oriented environment.
“These significant gifts, combined with the increased support from the City, will enable us to expand our successful and vital programming for teens into more neighborhoods,” said Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon. “By offering teens their own space in our community libraries, we’re connecting our young people to technology, resources and mentors that encourage success in school and in life.”
CPL piloted YOUmedia in 2009 with support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur and Pearson foundations, to the Chicago Public Library Foundation; the program has now been emulated in 30 cities nationwide. Programming at four of Chicago’s 12 locations targets middle school students, while the other eight, including the flagship YOUmedia site in the Harold Washington Library Center, are designed for high school students.
“The Chicago Public Library should be commended for putting together such an innovative and engaging approach to independent learning,” said David Casper, President and CEO, BMO Harris Bank. “Our children are our future, and with our donation of $1 million, we are very pleased to play our part in helping to expand access to the YOUmedia teen program.”
An additional gift of $250,000 from Allstate to the Chicago Public Library Foundation will also support YOUmedia programming. With its partners at the Library Foundation, CPL is able to leverage private dollars to offer innovative programming citywide.
About Chicago Public Library
Since 1873, 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. CPL received the Social Innovator Award from Chicago Innovation Awards; won a National Medal for Library Services from the Institute for Museum and Library Services; was named the first-ever winner of the National Summer Learning Association’s Founder’s Award in recognition of its Summer Learning Challenge; and was ranked number one in the U.S., and third in the world, by an international study of major urban libraries conducted by the Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf in Germany. For more information visit www.chipublib.org.
About Chicago Public Library Foundation
The Chicago Public Library Foundation (CPLF) was established in 1986 as an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the collections, programs, and technology initiatives of Chicago Public Library (CPL). With support from civic-minded corporations, foundations, and individuals, CPLF has over the past 30 years directed more than $80 million to the Library and helped to build and sustain numerous dynamic partnerships. This infusion of resources and energy has enabled the Library to launch crucial new programs and services that impact patrons city-wide, such as the Summer Learning Challenge, which served more than 102,000 children in 2016; Teacher in the Library, which last school year provided nearly 90,500 after-school homework help sessions; YOUmedia, the teen learning lab and mentorship program that serves 4,600 middle and high school students annually; and the CyberNavigators, who each month deliver nearly 13,000 computer skills development sessions to patrons with low digital skills.
About BMO Harris Bank
BMO Harris Bank provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through nearly 600 branches and almost 1,400 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank’s commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local market knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. For more information about BMO Harris Bank, go to the company fact sheet. Banking products and services are subject to bank and credit approval. BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with approximately 1,500 branches, and CDN $692 billion in assets (as of January 31, 2017).
