About 2005 Institute

The MIT Media Lab has initiated a new leadership program called the IDEAS (Innovative Design Experiences After-School) Institute. The Institute is for professionals working in after-school programs in low-income communities, who are dedicated to helping youth learn to express themselves creatively with new technology. The Institute aims to nurture an international, collaborative network of after-school professionals, encourage community leadership, and inspire young people to learn new things in new ways.

The IDEAS Institute was held at the MIT Media Lab from June 26 - July 1, 2005. The 20 fellows selected were an exceptional and diverse group of educators from Ireland, Nigeria, Macedonia, South Africa, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Philippines, and the United States (California, New Jersey, New York, Utah, Florida, Oregon).

Throughout the week the fellows explored creative uses of new technologies to deepen the learning experiences of young people. They worked with new technologies being developed at the MIT Media Laboratory to design and implement projects that address specific challenges faced by youth in their communities.

The IDEAS Institute was organized by the Media Lab's Lifelong Kindergarten group which develops new technologies, activities, and environments that help young people learn. The group has collaborated with the LEGO toy company on the development of the LEGO Mindstorms robotic invention kit, and it co-founded the Computer Clubhouse network of after-school learning centers for youth from low-income communities. Funding for the Institute is provided by Intel.