Justification for Change - Learning Labs

Justification for Change

3137-0029 General Clearance Grant Application and Post-Award Processes

IMLS is requesting a change to a previously approved clearance in order to add a new grant program, Grants for Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums. This new grant is requesting the same expiration date of 8/31/2013.

Previous request abstract:

IMLS requests delegation of authority to review and approve all agency information collection requests (excluding surveys, evaluations, and data calls used for policy-making purposes), under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collections in this package include all of the guidelines and instructions to (1) apply for IMLS support, (2) identify grant reviewers, and (3) complete post-award reports for the agency's grant programs. In a separate clearance submission (3137-0071) and justification, IMLS is requesting a three-year generic clearance for all forms used in its grant programs, including application materials and post-award reports.

Justification for the Grants for Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums

The Grants for Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums initiative is a new opportunity funded jointly by IMLS and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation as part of President Obama’s “Educate to Innovate” campaign. This campaign is a nationwide effort to bring American students to the forefront in science and math achievement and to provide the workers of tomorrow with vital 21^st century skills. These grants will support grants of up to $100,000 for the planning and design of up to 30 Learning Labs in libraries and museums throughout the country.

The Learning Labs will be spaces for middle- and high-school aged youth to engage in mentor-led, interest-based, youth-centered, collaborative learning with digital and traditional media. Grantees will become part of a community of practice to promote best practice in youth out-of-school learning, based on research and evidence. IMLS has a cooperative agreement with the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), in partnership with the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), to run the competition and provide technical assistance, networking, and cross-project learning for the grantees.

This new grant program is proposed to be situated under the auspices of the IMLS National Leadership Grant (NLG) program because of the program’s potential to advance the library and museum field and to better prepare these institutions to respond to the growing needs of America’s youth to learn critical 21^st century skills and knowledge. There will be two project deadlines for this grant program, one in 2011 and a second deadline planned for spring 2012.