According to the American Management Association and the United States Department of Labor, employers of today have an increased need for employees who are able to effectively handle challenges and identify solutions to problems. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of our Information Age society requires a corresponding set of skills from the workforce: flexibility, communication, teamwork, and problem solving. These traits are particularly critical for future careers in Silicon Valley’s Tech Sector. IDEAS in Motion was designed to develop and encourage these skills and to give participants opportunities to build confidence in their own ability to solve problems.

Participants in IDEAS in Motion gain experience with skills critical for a knowledge economy. During each workshop youth learn about creativity, participate in brainstorming or divergent thinking, and complete a hands-on exercise to develop a concept, prototype the idea, and test the design. Typically they work together to solve a problem such as creating a six-pack drink holder that won’t harm wildlife. The scalable program design enables responsive delivery as either a one-time event or a several session series. The program also allows the Library to demonstrate that it is on trend in addressing today’s most important issues.

The program successfully inspired original and imaginative thinking, with 93 percent of participants reporting an improved ability to generate new ideas. One attendee stated, “I learned about my creative inner spirit. IDEAS in Motion is one of the rare places I can use it however much I want.” The program is tremendously popular drawing an average of 30 participants per session. This community interest led to a robust schedule of 52 sessions citywide. IDEAS in Motion also allowed the library to build significant partnerships with the local Black Chamber of Commerce and Silicon Valley Leadership Group.