Public libraries have long engaged in activities that support the educational development of young children.While collections of materials for different reading levels, story times and children's programs have been staples of every library for decades. And new digital tools with learning software such as the Early Learning Stations from AWE are being added to many library collections. But rather than remain in a passive role (just come use it how and when you want) OCLS saw the opportunity to take a more innovative approach in support of educational development. With the help of a grant partner, we created learning driven classes with specific educational outcomes designed to help low income children. Because poverty has been directly linked to poor educational outcomes. Studies have shown students from low income families score lower on standardized tests than other students. In our State Florida, for example, studies indicate those scores on average are 25% lower than from students whose families earn middle or above income. The Skills Challenge program focused on helping students improve their reading, math, problem solving, and technology skills through a series of instructional activities. Library staff oversee the instruction and help the children reach their learning objectives. While packaged as fun and with small rewards to encourage progress, nevertheless the Library is helping these students gain new educational skills and strengthen old ones.

OCLS, like many other public libraries, had in place a number of the key ingredients that enabled this innovation. We had the children's learning software in place for public use - in our case Early Learning Stations by AWE. We had staff that were familiar with children's programs including marketing, hosting, and tracking results. We had experience in offering children' computer classes. And we recognized there was a community need the library could help meet. To us it seemed doable, with all those elements in place, that we could create some specific programming built around the use of the educational software. What we didn't have was a planned curriculum with specific educational objectives. But fortunately nearby was a University with a College of Education. We approached them with the idea and ultimately ended up hiring a Ph.D. student as a consultant to design six programs incorporating our software stations in which students would accomplish specific educational objectives.

We followed these steps:

1. Designed program structure
2. Engaged consultant for curriculum design
3. Developed marketing plan
4. Conducted staff training
5. Held the programs
6. Conducted review

The goal of Skills Challenge was to provide a developmentally appropriate computer based learning experience for students with educational and social challenges that could help them enhance their academic success. The program was focused on developing and improving academic skills through exposure to technology classes and the interactive learning modules using the Early Learning Stations. As part of the outcomes for "Skills Challenge," the Library intended to see skill improvement in 60% of the participants in the areas of reading, problem solving, technology literacy, letter grades and overall academic success. We have surpassed our goals with 86% of the participants reporting an increase in these skills! We also wanted to support the strategic objectives of our Library in making known the Library as place of lifelong learning and fostering greater community engagement. With the many thousands of minutes logged on the learning stations, the feedback of parents, and the participation of community partners in support as proof, both of these objectives were met as well.