o help develop successful individuals and strong communities, the Program on Human and Community Development focuses on the relationships among people, place, and systems. Through grants and loans, the program explores two primary themes: the important role of place — home, community, city, region, and state — in people’s lives; and the shared interests between individuals, particularly those in trouble or in need, and society at large. Specific fields of work include community and economic development, stable and affordable housing, juvenile justice reform, and education.

In the past year, MacArthur began to explore the notion that young people are different because of their use of digital media; that difference likely is reflected in how they think, learn, judge, and interact with others. There are certain to be profound implications for education. In 2006, MacArthur’s education grantmaking will continue to investigate this hypothesis through research and support for innovative designs and applications.

For additional information about MacArthur programs and grantmaking guidelines, see the Foundation’s website, www.macfound.org