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Home > Cambridge STEAM Initiative

Cambridge STEAM Initiative

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The Cambridge STEAM Initiative is a joint effort of the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Schools, and the Cambridge Public Library. We work with our local K-12 schools and universities, community organizations, City departments, employers, and residents to open doors to opportunities and career pathways in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). Our goal is to make sure these opportunities are within reach for everyone — especially those who face the biggest barriers.

We believe:

  • Every Cambridge resident deserves the freedom to choose their own path — who they want to be and what they want to do;
  • Some residents have long been — and continue to be — shut out of STEAM careers and opportunities;
  • This lack of access is rooted in racial bias and generational poverty that have been built into our systems over time.

The Cambridge STEAM Initiative works to dismantle these barriers, widen access, and advance racial and economic justice through a targeted universalism framework. Through targeted universalism, we set goals that benefit all community members and use specific strategies to engage or prioritize people who experience barriers to access. 

Learn more about the STEAM Initiative's vision. 

Math is Everywhere!

This social media campaign encourages Cambridge caregivers and young children to find the joy in math during everyday activities.

Math is a Civil Right

Learn about the movement we are co-leading with Cambridge Public Schools Math Department and The Young People’s Project.

STEAM Habits of Mind

We identified six habits that develop creativity and critical thinking skills and support young people in becoming creators, leaders, and decision makers.

STEAM News

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Events

  • May
    13 Wed

    Vinyl Cutting 101 (Main)

    Would you like to make your own vinyl signs, stickers, or images to transfer to T-shirts and other textiles? In this workshop, you can learn how to use our Roland Camm-1 GS-24 vinyl cutter. You can then design a sticker and cut it with our vinyl cutter! Registration is required. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.

  • May
    13 Wed

    Wednesdays of Wonder - W.O.W.! (Valente)

    Come to the Library for games and a different activity each week! Kids of all ages can hang out and do crafts or STEAM activities. No registration required.

  • May
    13 Wed

    3D Printing 101 (Main)

    Learn to 3D print items in our library and create a 3D model to print using our Prusa 3D printers! Before taking this workshop: Complete Hive Safety Training Create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com You will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing certification for future reservations in The Hive. Create a Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com prior to arriving. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account prior to arriving. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.

  • May
    13 Wed

    STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)

    Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a youth-powered design and innovation program where teens channel their energy and creative vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology, and storytelling within a social justice framework, teens engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. Teens are invited to learn more on the iFp website.

  • May
    13 Wed

    Open Shop (Main)

    During Open Shop, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Additionally, individuals are welcome to drop in to work on their projects independently. The Hive staff will assist with questions as they are able! New makers are also welcome to come in during open shop for a 10min drop in video safety training! Tool Reservations for this date will open two weeks prior from this date.

  • May
    13 Wed

    Mend & Make Meetup (Valente)

    Join our monthly mending meetup and share tips and tricks with other crafters! Bring what you are working on and we will provide basic mending supplies. Registration is required.

  • May
    13 Wed

    Choosing Native Plants for a Beautiful and Beneficial Garden (Main/Virtual)

    Balance ecological value with your preferences in your garden! Learn how to select native plants that will suit your conditions and support birds and beneficial insects. Amy Meltzer will discuss: Assessing your site and planning your garden Matching your site conditions with plant characteristics Choices for starting a native plant garden Finding affordable native plants Caring for your new plants Adapting your garden to climate change This is a hybrid event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. The in-person event will take place in the Learning Lab.

  • May
    14 Thu

    Knitting 101 (Main)

    In this hands-on session, you’ll learn the basics of knitting, including how to cast on, do the knit stitch, and cast off. This workshop is intended for people with no prior knitting experience. All supplies will be provided! Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.

  • May
    14 Thu

    Open Shop (Main)

    During Open Shop, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Additionally, individuals are welcome to drop in to work on their projects independently. The Hive staff will assist with questions as they are able! New makers are also welcome to come in during open shop for a 10min drop in video safety training! Tool Reservations for this date will open two weeks prior from this date.

  • May
    14 Thu

    STEAM Academy: iFp Studio (Main)

    Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Studio is a youth-powered design and innovation program where teens channel their energy and creative vision to imagine and build a better world. Blending art, design, science, technology, and storytelling within a social justice framework, teens engage in real-world client-sponsored projects. Teens are invited to learn more on the iFp website.

  • May
    14 Thu

    Virtual Reality Pop-Up (Main)

    The MIT Open Documentary Lab will be at the library with a curated collection of award-winning virtual reality (VR) experiences that showcase the diverse and imaginative ways artists are using VR today. The program includes 360° films, immersive documentaries, animated works, and interactive experiences.

  • May
    15 Fri

    Getting Started with Adobe Illustrator (Main)

    In this introductory class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of Adobe Illustrator, a powerful, industry-standard design tool. Explore the interface, essential tools, and basic workflows while creating simple vector designs of your own. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop. Please arrive on time. If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be able to join the class.

Contact Us

Sharlene Yang (she, her, hers)
Director
Cambridge STEAM Initiative
617-349-4672
syang@cambridgema.gov
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Participating Departments

Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) Logo Cambridge Public Library Logo Cambridge Public Schools Logo 

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