Deadline is January 29, 2010.
The New York State Library urges libraries that provide after school, out-of-school, or summer arts and humanities programs for under-served children and youth to self-nominate or seek nomination within your community for the Coming Up Taller award. Not many applications have been received at IMLS from libraries. IMLS wants to encourage libraries to apply and has let us know that they are aware libraries offer wonderful programs for this population.
2009 LIBRARY WINNER:
For 2009 the Tag Teen Program at the Elsie S. Hogan Community Library in Wilcox, AZ was honored. The group visited IMLS to express their appreciation and they enthusiastically encourage libraries to apply for the award.
BACKGROUND ON THE ARIZONA PROJECT:
In the TAG (Teen Advisory Group) Teen program, teens plan content for three issues of TAG Magazine per year, then write, edit, design, layout, distribute, and fund them through advertising sales. A monthly theme is woven with education workshops, field trips, and fun get-togethers. The magazine created a forum for teens involved in the arts and writing in the rural community of Wilcox. A high quality magazine that all area teens can enjoy was the result. Project coordinators report that in the process, teens explored their creativity in art and writing, learned self-confidence and interpersonal skills, and became empowered to strike out in new directions that were only dreams before. In addition to the magazine, the year-round program features workshops, speakers, and discussions.
Click here for further information, eligibility, and the nomination form.