The Schomburg Center's Junior Scholars Program
New York Public Library, N.Y.
Innovation Synopsis
This innovative program teaches teenagers through the humanities to express themselves, think critically about their role in society, and take charge of their future. The program does this by using black history as an intellectual lens through which to introduce youth to college-style learning, the arts, activism, and career readiness.
Challenge/Opportunity
Increasing the next generation's awareness of American history is a vital part towards creating a vibrant and inclusive democracy, and the library is an important bridge towards developing our nation. The Junior Scholars Program is designed to prepare students for academic success in college, cultivate lifelong commitment to literacy and civic engagement, and introduce youth to artistic self-expression. The Program highlights black history in the overall context of United States history, as well as the global black experience that includes Caribbean and African history. The curricular content for the Program is linked to the Schomburg Center’s annual exhibitions; pivotal periods in American history including enslavement, abolition, migration, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Civil Rights Movement; and topics exploring Caribbean and African history and contemporary culture.
Key Elements of Innovation
Junior Scholars promotes historical literacy through an inquiry-based and project-based approach to teaching and learning. At the core of our pedagogy is the understanding that students must be taught to think critically about the past in order to intellectually interpret the present. During the year, participants attend college-style lectures and seminars where are they are taught history from leading scholars. During the second half of the year, the Program’s instructional focus shifts and students research, create and produce multi-media arts projects that reflect their learning and share their point of view. The projects are presented at our annual youth summit.
Achieved Outcomes
The Junior Scholars Program provides a unique venue for students to explore black history, build core academic skills, and learn from leaders in the field. It also encourages students to think critically about issues that impact their daily lives and alerts them to the roles they can play as artists, scholars, activists, and informed citizens. The Program is in high demand and receives 150 to 200 applications each year for its 125 available program slots. Over 1800 youth have participated in the program since 2002 and 100% of Junior Scholars in their senior year matriculate and go to college. The Junior Scholars curricula provides an enriching opportunity to use art, culture and the vast resources of the library to increase academic achievement and youth development.
