Brooklyn bridges the_gap_2

Brooklyn Bridges the Gap A Collaborative and Innovative Library Program to Help “Disconnected Youth” Succeed NDLC 2010: From Groundwork to Action Friday, July 16 2:30-3:45

Elizabeth Lewis is the director of Brooklyn Public Library’s Literacy Program and Volunteer Resources . She has recently earned her Master’s in Social Work. Eva Raison is the ESOL & Pre-GED Coordinator at Brooklyn Public Library. With 9 years of experience in ESL, family literacy and adult literacy. Eva oversees 28 adult education classes throughout Brooklyn. She led the team in the planning and implementation of the library’s Young Adult Pre-GED project. Sandra Sajonas is a librarian and was part of the team that planned and implemented the library’s YA Pre-GED program. In March, she was selected as a 2010 Library Journal Mover & Shaker for her work in innovative library services, including the Book-a-Librarian Pilot and Young Adult Pre-GED project. Sheila Schofer is the Coordinator of Young Adult Services at Brooklyn Public Library. She is responsible for the coordination and development of policies and plans for services to young adults in 58 neighborhood libraries and oversees system-wide planning, guidance and delivery of library services to young adults including the evaluation of materials, public programming, staff development and in-service training. Aneicia Washington is the current project manager of the Young Adult Pre-GED program as well as the Learning Assessment & Goals Advisor for the library’s Pre-GED program. Aneicia has an undergraduate degree in Speech and Language Pathology and over 10 years experience in social services.

How did this project get started?
In 2008, there were approximately 223,000 “disconnected youth” in NYC
Department of Youth & Community Development work group
Of the five boroughs, Brooklyn has the largest share (39%) of disconnected youth in NYC
NYC Mayor’s Office Center for Economic Opportunity launches the Disconnected Youth Literacy Initiative

What are some characteristics of this population? “ 16- to 24-year-olds who are not working and not in school”

Why in a Public Library?
Safe neutral space
Library literacy programs
Resource rich: special collection and classroom resources
Outreach and partnerships

Why in the public library?
1.Safe neutral community space
Accessible for all ages
Librarians

Why in the public library?
2. BPL’s library literacy philosophy
Emphasis on technology and writing
Mini library with accessible text
Group instruction
Thematic curriculum

3. Resource rich: special collection for disconnected youth

3. Resource rich: Curriculum & classroom resources

4. Public libraries excel at outreach & partnerships Free Pre-GED Program For 17-24 year olds who are out of school Registration dates: Brooklyn Public Library Sunset Park Branch 5108 4th Ave at 51st St 718.567.2806 Monday, January 5 10:00 AM Thursday, January 8 10:00 AM

BPL’s YA Pre-GED Program Support Metrocards Food Onsite Caseworker Community days Life Skills Access to computers Library Library cards Reading is Fundamental Librarian visits in classes Information literacy Trips to main library Literacy curriculum Thematic Individual laptops Independent reading Mini collection Explicit comprehension strategy instruction Field trips State of the art technology

Outcomes “ All the lessons I learned from here I will take them with me in everyday life. It’s always good to get all the knowledge you need; you are never too old to learn.” “ I took my responsibilities and gain new friends in the program. I have changed into a new man that u see today. “ “ My mom Maisha, My Auntie Ellen, my grandma Sandra. This is the best time, I made friends. I love everyone. I’m happy that I met everybody” “ I can’t stop reading” “ I completed my first resume” “ Right now I’m kinda addicted to reading.”

718.622.4460 www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/ged.jsp [email_address]

Brooklyn bridges the_gap_2

by scalkin on Aug 11, 2010

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