| The
Neighborhood Learning Community (NLC) is an example of a whole
neighborhood - schools, local governmant, neighborhood organizations,
and residents - working together and taking responsibility
for the education of young people. The NLC's goal is for all
young people in the neighborhood to grow up as successful,
engaged citizens.
History
The
NLC got its start when a diverse group of young people and
adults in the West Side neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota,
came together around their shared values and interests. They
believed that young people learned better if they grow up
in a place with a culture of learning-where there
are rich learning opportunities and contexts, and great expectations.
Since 2001, St. Paul's West Side residents and stakeholders
have worked together to make their streets, parks, and community
buildings palces of learning and social connection.
Today,
the Center for Democracy and Citizenship at the University
of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs is a lead
partner in the NLC.
A
Way For Young People And Adults To Build Civic Skills
The
work of the NLC creates a space for young people and adults
to develop the skills and habits of active citizens. A diverse
group of stakeholders, for example, takes leadership and is
involved in training, design, implementation, and evaluation
of NLC programs.
NLC
Programs
The
NLC is not a fixed organization. NLC leaders help broker resources,
provide support for civic learning and leadership development,
and connect people and organizations to generate ideas (For
more info, check out side bar).
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