This form is for community members in technology fields interested in being mentors in Normal Public Library's Partners in Technology Pilot Program.
At this time, Normal Public Library is looking for mentors employed in, retired from, or studying programs in technology related fields.
The program will run for eight weeks, beginning the week of February 3, 2020. Mentors will be selected and paired based on availability, area of knowledge, and number of applicants.
Mentors will be paired with participants ages ten to fourteen with an interest in expanding their familiarity and knowledge of technology through one-on-one learning. Pairs will meet weekly at the library at an agreed upon time for 1 hour (60 minute) sessions. During these sessions, pairs will have access to a range of library and open-source, free resources to aid their technology exploration. Pairs are encouraged to spend at least 15 minutes of their weekly sessions engaging in "unplugged" activities that encourage computational thinking skills.
This program is part of the Libraries Ready to Code Grant funded by The American Library Association and sponsored by Google. Participants in Partners in Technology may be asked to complete surveys regarding the program. Survey findings may be presented at conferences or for grant related purposes.
All are encouraged to apply! Those not chosen to participate at this time will have the option of participating in future Partners in Technology programs.
Contact Jane Jankowski - Children's Technology and Programming Librarian with any questions.
jane@normalpl.org