U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

City Seal of Cambridge
City of
Cambridge
Home > Cambridge STEAM Initiative

Cambridge STEAM Initiative

Cambridge STEAM Initiative Logo

The Cambridge STEAM Initiative is a joint initiative of the City of Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs, Cambridge Public School Department, and the Cambridge Public Library.  STEAM is an integrated approach to learning that incorporates STEAM Habits of Mind using any combination of STEAM areas of study - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math - as access points for inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. Using a racial justice lens to frame all of its efforts, the STEAM Initiative works to ensure that Cambridge residents who are most impacted by systemic inequities have access to high quality STEAM programming, resources, and skill-building opportunities. Learn more about our vision. 

Pre-K - 12th Grade STEAM

Check out our growing collections of STEAM-centered programs and resources for Pre-K -12th graders!

Adult Education and Training

Are you looking to build new skills or get job training? Learn more about how you can be part of the Cambridge innovation economy!

Educator Resources

Explore curricular resources and learn about STEAM professional development opportunities!

The Hive

The Library's makerspace offers STEAM tools, technology, and workshops for your creative discovery and exploration!

STEAM News

View All

Math is a Civil Right Movement

A young child plays with an abacus in a classroom

The Cambridge STEAM Initiative is co-leading a Math Is a Civil Right movement in Cambridge alongside the Cambridge Public Schools Math Department and The Young People’s Project, to further advance Bob Moses’s belief that math is a civil right.

This collective action brings together a broad coalition of partners, including Agenda for Children OST programs, DHSP youth-serving programs, Tutoring Plus, Science Club for Girls, Cambridge Math Circle, Cambridge School Volunteers, The Hive at the Cambridge Public Library, and others, all working toward a more just and equitable math ecosystem.

Learn More

Bob Moses MathTrail

Math Trail Kids and ipads

 

The Bob Moses MathTrail is a mile-long path in The Port neighborhood that begins at Sennott Park on Broadway and stretches along Elm, Broadway, Windsor, Main, Cherry, Eaton, and Columbia Streets.

The goal of the Bob Moses MathTrail is to encourage Cambridge residents, especially children and families, to find the fun in math and explore math in the world around them.

Learn More

STEAM Habits of Mind

STEAM Rises text with microphone and steam tendrils

The STEAM Initiative identified 6 habits that develop creativity and critical thinking skills:

  • Develop Craft
  • Engage and Persist
  • Express
  • Observe
  • Reflect
  • Stretch and Explore
  • These habits support young people in becoming creators, leaders, and decision makers

STEAM Rises, a podcast produced by the Cambridge STEAM Initiative, aims to inspire listeners to create change in their communities and lives by engaging in conversations, asking new questions, and reflecting on belonging and Habits of Mind.

Learn More

Events

  • Feb
    10 Tue

    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.

  • Feb
    10 Tue

    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.

  • Feb
    10 Tue

    Sewing 101 (Main)

    In this 90-minute workshop, you’ll learn the basics of sewing machine operation and safety. This session will cover machine setup, basic functions, threading the machine, reloading the bobbin, sewing straight stitches, and recognizing when stitch tension has gone awry. We’ll also cover some safety best practices when operating a sewing machine. As we learn together, we’ll work on a simple sewing project—a drawstring bag—which most students will be able to complete by the end of the class. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

  • Feb
    11 Wed

    CPL Nature Club: Fresh Pond Nature Walk (Collins)

    Join us for a relaxing walk of Fresh Pond with Park Ranger Amanda Garms! No two weeks are the same in nature, and Amanda will share her insights about what's growing, changing, and blooming in the neighborhood. This walk is not on a paved path. We will walk on uneven terrain, down hills, and over roots. The meeting location for this walk will be in the courtyard of the Collins Branch Library at 64 Aberdeen Ave. We will walk to Fresh Pond together from there. Registration is required. This event can only accommodate a certain number of participants. One registration is good for one person. If you do not register, you cannot participate. Those on the waitlist will be contacted if a space becomes available.

  • Feb
    11 Wed

    Zing Laser Cutting 101 (Main)

    Learn how to use our Epilog Zing—an industry-standard laser cutting machine. Complete this workshop to earn a badge for the Zing laser cutter. With a badge, you can reserve the Epilog Zing to use on our equipment booking page at designated times. Note: The Epilog Zing laser cutter and Glowforge laser cutter require separate trainings. You must participate in the Glowforge workshop in order to operate our Glowforge Pro laser cutter. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

  • Feb
    11 Wed

    Hive Teen Hangout (Main)

    Have you checked out The Hive yet? Teens are welcome to come learn about our space and try their hand at sticker making, video recording in our studio and more. This is a drop-in event designed for patrons ages 12-18.

  • Feb
    11 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.

  • Feb
    11 Wed

    Fiber Arts Adventure with Lenni: A Machine-Sewing Workshop Series (Main)

    Continue building your machine-sewing skills AND create bespoke sewn crafts! Design your own fiber arts adventure as you choose from a menu of options including: bento bag, fleece hat, fleece mittens, work belt, earbud case and fanny pack. This four-part series is led by fiber artist and designer Lenni Armstrong. Registration is required and participants must have completed Sewing 101 in The Hive. Those registered for the first session will automatically be enrolled in the following weeks. Spots are very limited; kindly only enroll if you plan to make all four workshops. Wednesday, February 4 Wednesday, February 11 Wednesday, February 18 Wednesday, February 25

  • Feb
    12 Thu

    Digital Embroidery (Main)

    Want to learn how to create custom clothing and other fiber projects with embroidered text? In this workshop, you’ll use a digital embroidery machine to stitch personalized designs and take home a unique piece. This class is for those with prior sewing machine experience. If you're new to sewing, we recommend taking our Sewing 101 workshop first as we will not spend time reviewing the basic mechanics of sewing.

  • Feb
    12 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.

  • Feb
    12 Thu

    After-school Craft: Button Making (Boudreau)

    Stop by the Boudreau Branch after school and use our two button makers to create your very own buttons. Draw a beautiful picture or print out an image from the computer (once per attendee) to use. This drop-in event is intended for school aged children and their families.

  • Feb
    12 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.

Contact Us

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

Participating Departments

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

Contact Us

How can we help?

Please provide as much detail below as possible so City staff can respond to your inquiry:

As a governmental entity, the Massachusetts Public Records Law applies to records made or received by the City. Any information received through use of this site is subject to the same provisions as information provided on paper.

Read our complete privacy statement

Service Requests

Enter a service request via SeeClickFix for things like missed trash pickups, potholes, etc., click here

Close