Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Program

The Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) program works with an educational consortium of schools, universities, libraries, and foundations to help teachers use the Library's vast collection of digitized primary sources to enrich their classroom instruction.
The TPS Barat Program provides a unique opportunity for teachers and students to participate in project-based learning activities using primary sources. Research has shown that project-based learning creates the skills and knowledge needed for success in the 21st century. These projects combine technology with primary sources from the Library of Congress to create lasting, positive impressions of our history, our culture, and our role in creating the future.

Barat Education Foundation

Founded in November, 2000 the mission of Barat Education Foundation is to develop and support innovative educational programs that reflect the values and tradition of Barat College and its founders, the Society of the Sacred Heart. In 2009, the Foundation launched a project based citizenship initiative that educates, engages, and empowers middle-grade students, to be participative citizens in their communities and to make a reasoned commitment to the core democratic values of the United States. The Foundation partners with organizations that promote personal growth and transformational leadership in the areas of education, community development, social justice, and spirituality.

Senator Richard Durbin

United States Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois has been instrumental in securing funding for this program, "The Library of Congress has a vast wealth of resources - resources just waiting to be tapped by students not just in Washington, DC, but all across the country. Thanks to [the program], teachers can receive the training necessary to harness the latest Internet technology and bring the Library's digital collections into their classrooms, enhancing their teaching and expanding the universe of knowledge available to all our students."