The American Library Association (ALA) has partnered with Google to create the Libraries Ready to Code initiative to, “ensure libraries have the resources, capacity, and inspiration to embrace activities that promote computational thinking (CT) and computer science (CS) among our nation’s youth.” Libraries wishing to participate are encouraged submit proposals for grants up to $25,000 to implement CT and CS programs for youth and help develop a program that can used by any library to offer CT/CS resources to their community.
Application deadline is August 31, 2017. Apply Today
25 to 50 participating libraries will receive funding from ALA, along with consulting expertise and operational support from Google. Individual libraries may use funding for devices, staffing, marketing and other costs associated with piloting an educational toolkit developed in partnership, by libraries, for libraries.
The toolkit, set to release in conjunction with National Library Week in April 2018, will consist of computer science resources that libraries find most useful for designing and implementing youth computer science programming. This cohort of libraries will also initiate a community of practice to sustain momentum and build expertise across thousands of school and public U.S. libraries.
Resources
- Online Application
- Grant FAQ
- Request for Proposal (PDF)
- Review and Selection Process
- Resources and examples
- Libraries Ready to Code email updates.
- Libraries Ready to Code Webinar – webinar recording (YouTube) / webinar slides (PDF)
Libraries Ready to Code is a collaboration between ALA’s Office for Information Technology Policy and ALA’s three youth divisions: the Young Adult Library Services Association, the Association for Library Services to Children, and the American Association of School Librarians. Sponsored by Google.