University of North Texas (University of North Texas, College of Information)

The University of North Texas and the University of Alabama, in partnership with the Pottsboro Area Library and the Tuscaloosa Public Library, will develop a program called "Raise Up Radio: Family and Youth Engagement in Library Supported Learning Via Radio" to address educational inequities that became even more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic and create a professional network of librarians who use radio broadcasts. Over two years, six libraries serving high-need rural communities in Texas and Alabama will each implement a total of four, five-week educational programs delivered over local radio stations. The program will leverage existing community resources to create accessible educational content through collaborative partnerships. It will connect libraries, museums, and educational institutions with students in rural communities through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) content. Local youth and families will develop these new radio programs using best practices for equitable youth and family engagement in learning. To support and expand these efforts, team members will develop a toolkit of resources and form a community of practice for library professionals seeking to design radio programming in partnership with their local communities.