Make. Learn. Lead: American Corners, Libraries, and Chevron Unite to Build the Future of Kazakh Youth

Abstract

American Spaces, or American Corners as they are known in Kazakhstan, are U.S. cultural and information centers located in 140 countries around the world. The ten Corners in Kazakhstan are hosted by public and university libraries, and partner with the American company Chevron to offer STEAM programming at co-located Makerspaces. A model for innovative public-private partnerships, this network of Corners and Makerspaces offers welcoming and inspiring third spaces for Kazakh youth looking to develop both the hard and soft skills necessary for their success as future scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, teachers, artists, and civic leaders. The partnership is a model of innovative collaboration between traditional and non-traditional libraries and an external partner and is regularly highlighted as a success story by the U.S. Department of State. Scattered in smaller cities and regions where resources are limited, American Corners and Makerspaces in Kazakhstan unite the efforts of the three partners to fill a critical gap. By providing free access to the internet, print and digital resources, and cultural and skills development programs, the network of Corners and Makerspaces builds a brighter future for the next generation of Kazakhs--future leaders who are gearing up to change the world.