The COVID-19 crisis has significantly impacted the education and financial resources of our students and families. During this time, the library saw a substantial increase in requests from parents seeking no-cost educational resources for students. As a response, the Do Your Homework @ the Library Program accelerated their offerings of virtual and some in-person learning camps that were fun and educational, making the library THE PLACE for accessible, innovative and engaging out our school time learning activities.

The DYH@L team researched various online platforms, partners, marketing strategies and best practices that would enable us to provide the necessary learning experiences for students. With assistance from program partners and library staff trained on new skills, we offered a series of 30 weeklong STEAM learning camps for grades PreK-8th and bilingual homework assistance throughout the summer. The virtual camp experience included supplies shipped directly to the campers for hands-on participation.

In the program, 89% of participants felt more confident about what they learned. We had concerns with most of the program being virtual, but to our surprise, 95% of participants expressed preferring the virtual option, citing COVID-19 safety concerns, transportation issues, time management, opportunity for family participation and student social anxiety. The camps were an opportunity for youth to sharpen their skills, explore, and cultivate new interests.

"My son was excited to show me what he learned about STEM and pollution!"