Every Wednesday, The Urbana Free Library’s Teen Open Lab turns into a classroom like no other. In partnership with Street College, the library invites teens to explore a hands-on space where hip-hop meets STEM and creativity comes alive through rhythm and real-world skills.
Street College runs programs that introduce underserved youth to science, technology, engineering and mathematics through a hip-hop lens.
One of its core offerings, the music technology track, teaches students the technical side of hip-hop — from sound engineering to digital production.
Rather than focusing solely on songwriting or performance, the program helps teens understand the mechanics behind the music, using industry software and production equipment to build skills step by step.
Street College focuses on showing up consistently in under-resourced spaces and building pathways into STEM and STEAM learning, encouraging participants to see their own talent and future potential.
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The partnership began after Street College was introduced to library staff through the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center last spring.
Since then, the group has brought music technology and engineering equipment to the Teen Open Lab during their Wednesday meeting time, helping students explore interests and potential career paths by introducing topics such as media, motorsports and musicology.
All of these programs are offered at no cost.
Shannon McFarland, publicist for Street College, emphasized that many other Champaign-Urbana youth programs often charge fees or are mostly self-guided.
“We don’t ever want money to be a deterrent from how we can impact a child’s life,” McFarland said. “We also are providing the staff (who have) high-quality knowledge and expertise … and we get (the kids) excited about coming back to see our staff and to learn more.”
The idea for Street College came from William Patterson, better known as “Dr. P.”
As a previous professor in FAA at the University, Patterson wanted to take the resources and opportunities typically found on campus and share them with the community — bringing higher education to the streets.
That philosophy of accessibility and hands-on learning continues to shape the program today.
Senior instructor Carlton Greg Bruett said collaboration is one of the biggest skills teens take away from their time with Street College.
“We see them work together a lot more than they would in a classroom,” Bruett said. “Teachers are always impressed, saying, ‘Oh wow, they’re working together and not arguing,’ because it is something they care about.”
The sessions are intentionally light and drop-in friendly, allowing teens to engage at their own pace.
The program’s flexible approach encourages curiosity and creativity, giving teens the freedom to try new skills without pressure, while also fostering a supportive environment where collaboration and self-expression are prioritized.
That hands-on, engaging atmosphere is exactly what instructors like Christopher Lenear, senior instructor for Street College, say makes the program so impactful.
“You can see the light in their eyes change,” Lenear said. “You can see when that spark hits, and they try and challenge themselves in a way that they haven’t in a while. It’s not a traditional school setting, but they’re still sparking that same interest.”
The demand for Street College goes beyond the library walls.
In addition to the Teen Open Lab, the program encourages youth to drop in at its space in the Lincoln Square Mall to see what the sessions are like.
Street College staff also often give presentations at schools in the C-U area.
By reaching teens wherever they are, the program aims to expand access to creativity, learning and hands-on exploration.
Donovan Patterson, son of Dr. P and senior instructor for Street College, highlighted just how much C-U values the program.
“(The community) wants us everywhere,” Patterson said. “They love what we’re doing, and it’s very high demand … we have a lot of major community members who are rooting for us, who are one of us, to support the youth that we have because it is a major need in the community.”
With programs like these, C-U teens not only explore music and technology — they find a space where their creativity and curiosity are celebrated, and where the community is cheering them on every step of the way.
