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Digital Youth Network
Digital Youth Network (DYN) began at the Urban Education Institute at the University of Chicago. It was founded by Nichole Pinkard, and is a collaborative effort to mentor students in the realm of digital media and technology.

Adult professionals in the field help students to develop digital media skills, and learn the tools that are prevalent in the evolution of multi media. The ultimate goal of the project is to provide youth with excellent learning opportunities that will help them succeed in urban America.

DYN Model
The DYN model begins with sixth to eighth grade education, and focuses on mandatory in-school media arts classes and optional after-school programs. This educational model is meant to expose youth to multi-media outlets and forms of expression.

The DYN high school program then helps students to develop independent strengths with opportunities such as internships and mentoring the middle-school students.

DYN Schools and Partnerships
DYN has worked with University Charter schools in Chicago, including the University of Chicago Charter School Carter G. Woodson Campus; University of Chicago Charter School Woodlawn Campus; Betty Shabazz International Charter School Dusable Campus; Kenwood Academy Magnet High School; and Urban Prep High School.

In 2010 they partnered with LISC/Chicago and the Smart Communities Program to develop a program called Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (B-TOP), which will expand DYN into new communities including Auburn-Gresham, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Pilsen, and Humbolt Park. DYN is also partnered with organizations including the Chicago Public Library, The Common Ground Foundation, Quest Atlantis, Vocalo.org, International Feature Project, Youth Speaks: Brave New Voices Festival, Institute of Play, Carnegie Mellon’s Entertainment Technology Center, and The Marcus Graham Project.

Professional Development (PD)
As a part of the DYN project, the professional artists who become the new media educators are required to go through training called professional development (PD).

In order to understand how to select and support the new media educators, also called “mentors,” Nichole Pinkard launched a research project called “Qualities of an Effective Digital Media Mentor,” which studies the effectiveness of teaching methods.

Watch the videos of the DYN Professional Development.

Team Members
Team members include Director Tene Gray; Director of Digital Strategy and Development, Akili Lee; YouMedia Coordinator and Mentor, Mike Hawkins; Mentor, Raphael Nash; and Media Arts Coordinator & Mentor, Asia Roberson.

Funders
The grants that DYN has received include a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, which provided a five-year, $50 million Digital Media and Learning Initiative, and a two-and-a-half year funding commitment from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Press/Criticism
Read, “Kids Create—and Critique on—Social Networks,” by Laila Weir, on www.edutopia.org.

Read, “Pinkard: Videogames Inspire a Different Design for Classroom Learning,” on the Spotlight on Digital Media and Learning website.

Read “A Conversation with Nichole Pinkard,” by Lisa Guernsey, featured in Parents’ Choice: Children’s Media & Toy Reviews.

Watch and read “Expert Interview: Nichole Pinkard and Akili Lee, Digital Youth Network,” on the Common Classroom website.