The Hub
Description
In The Hub’s online micro-academy, young people ages 9 to 16+ meet in small, facilitated cohorts two half-days a week to work on interdisciplinary short activities and longer group projects. (The Hub also has a private social platform that can be accessed outside session times, for further interaction.)
Participants and facilitators jointly decide which activities and projects to do, and how to do them; the facilitators then actively participate in the chosen activities and projects, alongside the young people. Some activity examples: games (focused on anything from geography to financial literacy, trivia, world-building, and strategy); collaborative story-telling; researching and presenting findings on topics of interest; discussions on any topic, from music to outer space; collaborative art; alternative histories; video production. There are also occasional virtual field trips and guest speakers.
The objectives are to expand intellectual horizons in a holistic, organic, and meaningful way; to develop “soft skills” (such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving); and to experience the emotional benefits of belonging to a consistent social group of peers and adult mentors. As such, our culture is very important to our program and encourages people to get to know each other and form meaningful relationships and friendships.
SDE Optimizing Conditions
- Responsibility – The micro-academy facilitators don't force the children to do anything in particular (that said, if someone has chosen to enroll, it's expected that they will be present and engage in the program).
- Youth Autonomy – The facilitators and children co-create the micro-academy experience by consensus, based on children's interests (for individual and group work). There is a flexible structure in place for starters (which is modifiable), but no curriculum.
- Access to Tools and Technology – Numerous online platforms (Basecamp, Milanote, Kahoot, etc.) are used; some are introduced by the children, some by the facilitators. Children can take things in many directions with them.
- Adult Allies – There is no grading or testing. The facilitators are partners, guides and supporters of the children's learning (while also making it clear that they're learning themselves).
- Free Age Mixing – The micro-academy is for ages 9 to 16+. The Hub also has a communications hub on Basecamp that is for all members (adults and children) and facilitators.
- Community – Decision making in the micro-academy is by consensus. The facilitators also practice non-violent communications. They also model how to balance the "me" and the "we."
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