3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This talk focuses on how an academic library is becoming a community partner and resource in addressing the challenges faced by Detroit youth. In an effort to support UM–Dearborn community outreach initiatives, the Mardigian Library is providing resources through its community engagement collection, spaces, technologies, and electronic resources for hundreds of community partners. The campus offers training on state-provided resources, basic information literacy instruction, and research skills building. It hosts community conversations to determine how to best serve the needs of community partners. Approximately 25,000 Detroit youth are disconnected from work and education.
In an effort to combat some of the challenges facing youth, UM–Dearborn partnered with local schools, nonprofits, and workforce development agencies. The group worked to create a network that helps to address basic needs of the youth that are not being met (food, shelter, clothing, trauma), provide workshops and tutoring to get them to grade level, prepare them for higher education, link them to employers, and provide mentor support. Students from the university are placed with community partners or in schools in Detroit to support work with youth. Many workshops and activities are based on what youth identify as their needs. Within the first few weeks alone, the impact has been a tremendous morale boost for the youth. Join a mock community conversation, learn about discussions on community engagement training and resources, and more!
