PROJECT NEXT GENERATION

The Brimfield Public Library District is proud to have been awarded nine Project Next Generation (PNG) grants since 2015. Grant funds have allowed the library to purchase a wide range of technologies and offer hands-on, mentor-led learning opportunities for area middle school and high school students. Students ages 10-18 are invited to attend PNG workshops where they can learn to create 3D designs, build and program robots, use virtual reality technology, take pictures, make movies, and more!

View our Event Calendar for upcoming PNG workshops.

Create, play, and continue developing your technology skills in the library’s Maker Space. Design or download 3D models to print, create buttons to show off your spirit and style, make stickers, capture and edit photos, make movies, explore virtual worlds, and more!

Learn more about our Maker Space technology and use guidelines.

The Brimfield Public Library District sponsors two FIRST robotics teams. FIRST is a global nonprofit dedicated to preparing young people for the future by cultivating science, technology, engineering and math skills through team-based robotics programs. As students work with coaches, mentors, community members, and each other, they also develop their creativity, teamwork, communication skills, and self confidence.

FIRST LEGO League Challenge Team
Team members build and program a LEGO robot to complete missions and earn points. As part of the Challenge, teams also participate in a research project to identify and solve a relevant real-world problem.

• Age Range: 9-14
• Season: August – January
• Practice Location: Library’s Maker Space
• Max Team Size: 10

See the B.U.I.L.T. (#32335) FLL robot in action.

FIRST Tech Challenge Team
Team members design, build, and code a robot to compete in an alliance format against other teams. Robots are built from a reusable platform, powered by Android technology, and coded using Java-based programming.

• Age Range: 12-18
• Season: September – February
• Practice Location: Offsite
• Max Team Size: 15

See the Savage Penguin (#14167) FTC robot in action.

The Brimfield Public Library is able to support its robotics teams thanks to sponsorship by Caterpillar, Inc., PNG grant funds, and volunteer coaches and mentors from the community. To find out how you can get involved, contact Director, Katie Hahn – [email protected].

Project Next Generation (PNG) is an initiative created by former Secretary of State Jesse White and continued by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to bridge the digital divide by providing middle school and high school students with access to technology and hands-on, mentor-led learning opportunities. Funding for this initiative is awarded by the Illinois State Library, a Department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

Find more information about the PNG grant.