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Innovation League

Innovation League was created to reach, empower, and engage youth in order to encourage innovative thinking, inclusive spaces, and opportunities for success. This year-round initiative partners with surrounding organizations to provide adaptable, themed learning experiences for underserved, lower-income youth.

Oreo art from the Innovation League Pilot Summer Session 2021
Oreo art from the Innovation League Pilot Summer Session 2021

Upcoming sessions

Fall 2022 | Magic in Literacy

Winter 2022 | TBD

Past sessions

Summer Fun 2022

In the Summer Fun 2022 session, students from 7 years old through 15 years old worked collaboratively to accomplish tasks including makey-makey kits and building bridges from popsicle sticks (some of the bridges they made held up to 40lbs!).

July 8 | Makey-Makey Kits
July 15 | Building Bridges: Plan
July 22 | Building Bridges: Build
July 29 | Building Bridges: Competition

May 2022 | Workforce Development

During this session we worked with the students of the Durham Youth Home. As we discussed life goals, we walked students through tools to help them with career development and budgeting.

May 6 | Interview Skills
May 13 | Dream Boards
May 20 | Budgeting Game
June 3 | Resume Building

January 2022 | Sustainable Art

Sustainable art - January 2022

In our first rollout session, themed “Sustainable Art,” students worked with various items to learn more about how to express their artistic side while being conscious of their impact on the environment.

January 11 | Styrofoam Printmaking
January 13 | Upcycle Clothing
January 27 | Reusable Water Bottle Decorating
February 3 | Scrap Sculpting

Pilot II Fall Session 2021: STEAM Education

In our second pilot session, themed “STEAM Education,” students participated in innovative programs each week.

October 6 | MakeCode Arcade
October 13 | STEM Design
October 20 | Spy Science
October 27 | Show & Tell

Pilot I Summer Session 2021: Everyday Art

In our first pilot session, themed “Everyday Art,” students indulged in different creative projects each week using everyday household and dollar store items.

June 14 | Photography
June 21 | Creating Terrariums
June 28 | Fun with Oreos

Frequently asked questions

How does Innovation League work?

Durham County Library staff partner with community organizations and plan a session consisting of 4 weeks of themed programs adapted specifically for the needs of the organization’s youth.

Is Innovation League in-person or virtual?

Innovation League will be virtual until further notice. We are also flexible with bringing kits and activities to schools / organizations who partner with us.

What are the age groups for Innovation League?

Innovation League is currently focused on middle and high school students. We intend to expand to elementary students and adults in the future.

How can my organization become a partner?

Durham County Library is always looking to engage the community, and with this initiative, we can broaden our reach! Our previous partners in Innovation League are listed below. If you would like to sign your group up to participate in a future Innovation League session, please fill out our session request form.

How much does Innovation League cost?

Innovation League is free for all partners and their participants. This initiative is funded through Durham County Library.

How can I present a program during an Innovation League session?

There are a variety of themes and programs Innovation League can offer – the sky is the limit! If you’re interested in performing a program or presenting a workshop for us, fill out the co-sponsorship request form and make sure to note that you would like to present as part of Innovation League.

Our Partners

Boys & Girls Clubs of Durham and Orange County
Durham Parks and Recreation

Contact us

Ciera Williams & Gracey Gordon Hello! We are Gracey and Ciera, and we are the co-organizers for Innovation League! We are so excited to bring more targeted programming to our community through this initiative. Just to tell you a little about each of us, Ciera is the Teen Services Librarian and Gracey is the STEAM Services Manager at Main Library. Ciera loves traveling, creativity, and literacy. Gracey loves coffee, mystery novels, and a good laugh. We can’t wait to meet you! Get in touch by emailing innovationleague@dconc.gov.