Submitted by: Jimmy McClellan
Submitting Department: Legislative
Agenda Section: Discussion
Item Title:
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FY23 Budget Initiative: Hyattsville Learning Lab
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that the City of Hyattsville include $3,000 in its FY23 legislative budget in support of the Hyattsville Learning Lab educational summer programming.
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Summary Background:
Purpose of the Hyattsville Learning Lab:
The City of Hyattsville has access to many resources that allow it to serve as a ‘learning lab’ for school age children in the City. The Hyattsville Learning Lab (HLL) will allow students to continue learning outside of the classroom during summer vacation. Organized by the Educational Advisory Committee (EAC), HLL will bring children in the community together to learn about science, technology, and social studies through departments and spaces in and around the City through a multi-day summer learning experience.
During Spring 2022, the EAC will meet to finalize the educational content and curriculum for HLL. The content may include science components that allow students to explore the topics of sustainability and conservation at Driskell Community Park, technology components that allow students to meet with City Staff for an afternoon to talk discover how new technologies allow us to design state-of-the-art buildings for housing and businesses, and social science components where students are able to participate in a Mock City Council meeting on the council dais. These are some examples of how our city will be able to serve as a lab for learning for our youngest generation of residents.
Issue to be addressed:
Over the course of the pandemic, students have had to miss out on the opportunity to engage in in-person learning multiple times and for long stretches of time in some cases. While it may be impossible to get back that lost time, the HLL will allow students to use their hometowns as a means by which to learn about the world around them in ways not limited to typical classroom subjects such as science and social studies, but they will also be able to connect those interests to personal passions and career aspirations.
Additionally, this program allows the City, City Staff, and neighbors to showcase the work they do best, without students having to leave the city to find they knowledge and skills that are abundantly available within our city limits. The EAC will work during the spring to identify individuals who will be able to speak to the parts of the curriculum they wish to highlight by reaching out to City Staff and residents who have a particular interest in sharing their passions and knowledge with the children over the summer.
Proposed Budget:
Because this is a new initiative, there are no previous documented budgets for what this program would cost; however, The FY21 ‘Summer Literacy Program’ will serve as a guide to ensure an educated estimate is realized. Based on the FY21 budget, $3,500 were allocated. I anticipate this program will cost no more than that, and may cost slightly less, given that the City will not need to do the PGCPS background check.
Anticipated # of Students: 50
Transportation Costs (if needed): $500
Snacks & Meals: $1000
Advertising Materials: $700
Learning Materials (books, printing, crafts, writing supplies, etc.): $500
Miscellaneous Supplies: $300
ANTICIPATED STAFF RESOURCES REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT:
• Help with advertising to parents and families via mail, online, and posters around the City.
• For those who have been identified as potential ‘teachers for the day’ on their area of content, it may require a half-day (or less) of time with students hosting activities.
Next Steps:
Staff evaluation and Council discussion.
Fiscal Impact:
NTE $3,500 in FY23
City Administrator Comments:
Recommend these funds be absorbed into the current programming which will have an educational component. The City offers a robust tutoring program that supports over 50 students 4th -12th grade from 6:30pm - 8:00pm two times per week. In the summer, the staff and seasonal employees offer special camps and summer programs which will now include an academic component. The Teen and Multi-generational center, once operational will offer creative learning programs that will be implemented within current staffing levels and volunteers. Implementing an additional program outside of these efforts will require an increase in staffing. Recommend this program be incorporated into the Teen & multi-generational center curriculum once the center is open and operational. Recommend these funds be used to open additional subjects for tutoring, and to augment teen and multigenerational programming.
Community Engagement:
N/A
Strategic Goals:
Goal 3 - Promote a Safe and Vibrant Community
Legal Review Required?
N/A