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Teenagers designed and executed the projects described here. Working in small groups, with the assistance of graduate student coaches, teens brainstormed for ideas, identified strategies, and created resources. This work is an outgrowth of the Community Information Organizer (CIO) program. The program is designed to explore how underserved communities can use computer technology to help build individual and community capacity, and to foster connections among people. To learn more about the program, click here. |
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Combined High School Web Site Outcomes: The team created a web site that provides information about events, sports, academics, and more for the four area schools. They also initiated discussions with school administrators about having the district host the site, and about building a network of students at each school to maintain it.
The Clubhouse – North Maple VIPOR Goal: To help kids in the community get along, encouraging them to support each other in positive ways. Outcomes: The team led an after-school program that met for several weeks. They tried a variety of options in order to identify what times and activities were popular.
Fashion Passion Goal: To learn about fashion design and to give back to the community. Outcomes: A teen worked with a family member, a teacher, and a coach to learn how to design and make an outfit. She was working on assembing the first piece clothing when the program ended, with plans to make a second copy for another young person in the neighborhood..
Kids Cafe Outcomes: The group publicized the organization with posters, flyers, stationary, a web site, and a press releasse. The also created letterhead and stationary that members of the organization could print themselves using a computer.
Lyrics versus Stereotypes Forum Goal: To encourage discussion between adults and teens about the meaning of rap lyrics in their lives. Outcomes: Team members hosted a forum bringing together teens and adults to talk about what rap lyrics mean to them. At the forum they gave a presentation describing their perspective, provided copies of controversial lyrics, showed several videos, and lead a discussion about the meaning of the music. Afterward, they created a Web site complementing the forum. On the site visitors can learn about the project and the teenagers behind it, read lyrics, and see what other's had to say about them.
Poet Cafe: Flint's Student Poetry Web Site Outcomes: The group created a web site showcasing poetry by teens in the community. The poems are organized thematically, and each section offers a brief description of what the poems have in common.
The SOURCE Outcomes: Team members created a Web site providing information about area recreation opportunities. The site highlights existing sports recreation programs and events happening in and around Flint, Michigan. The team also provided rules for playing various sports, and links to other sports-related sites. The Flint Public Library will be integrating the resource into their web site.
VIPOR Basketball renovation Outcomes: The team met with local residents, community leaders, local political leaders, and many others to raise awareness and gain support. They have identified a potential funder, and are playing to present their proposal after this program had ended. |
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The program was developed jointly by researchers at the University of Michigan's School of Information, the Flint Public Library, and the Student Advocacy Center. The W. K. Kellogg Foundation provided funding for the program.
Contact Kelly Garrett ( |
