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.

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

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

  • Mar
    30 Mon

    CPL Nature Club: Morning Bird Watching Walk at Mt. Auburn Cemetery (Collins)

    Join us for a morning walk at one of the most renowned bird watching spots in Cambridge, Mount Auburn Cemetery! We will help you identify birds, learn birdwatching tips and tricks, and familiarize yourself with migratory birds as well as those that can be spotted all year round. A limited supply of binoculars will be available. The walk will meet at the Collins Branch Library at 64 Aberdeen Ave at 10:15 am. We will walk to Mt. Auburn Cemetery together (about a five minute walk). Please try to be on time as we will leave shortly after 10:15! 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.

  • Mar
    30 Mon

    Studio Recording 101 (Main)

    Are you interested in podcasting, audio production, or video production? The Hive has two state-of-the-art recording studios! Join this workshop to become familiar with studio equipment and software. Registration is required. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

  • Mar
    30 Mon

    LEGO Time (Main)

    It's a weekly block party! Join friends to design and build amazing LEGO structures. Let your imagination run wild! For children ages 5 and up (children under age 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver). The Children's Room has plenty of LEGO pieces, so you don't need to bring your own. LEGO pieces are choking hazards for young children. This program can accommodate 30 builders. . Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of the program. This program starts promptly and any unclaimed seats will be offered to someone waiting. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Please call 617-349-4038 for more information.

  • Mar
    30 Mon

    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.

  • Mar
    30 Mon

    STEAM Academy: iFp Labs (Main)

    In Innovators for Purpose (iFp) Labs, students dive into the exciting world of social robots—machines designed to interact, learn, and connect. From brainstorming ideas to building prototypes, students explore how AI and robotics can foster fairer, more inclusive communities. They design robots that serve as friendly companions, offering support, connection, and solutions to real-world challenges. Teens in 7th and 8th grade are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website: Innovators for Purpose. Skills Learned: Human-Centered Design, Mechanics, Electronics, Computer Programming, AI, and more.

  • Mar
    31 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.

  • Mar
    31 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.

  • Mar
    31 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.

  • Mar
    31 Tue

    Creative Patching (Central Square)

    Creative Patching will focus on how to repair holes, tears, and stains in clothing using fabric patches and hand embroidery techniques. Participants will learn about tools and materials for patching, and how to combine fabric patches with simple hand embroidery stitches to create eye-catching visible mends. Leave class with a sampler of techniques that you can refer back to when tackling your own mends at home. Suitable for beginners with little or no sewing experience.

  • Mar
    31 Tue

    CANCELLED 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.

  • Mar
    31 Tue

    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.

  • Apr
    01 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.

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