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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

  • Oct
    03 Sat

    Serger Training (Main)

    Are you an intermediate or advanced sewer? This class will cover serger machine setup, threading a serger, and identifying correct tension settings with different types of fabric. You will learn about ways to use our Elna Extend 864 Air serger to take your sewing skills to the next level by producing special finishing styles, hemming, trimming and assembling your garments. Up to two patrons can register for this class. This class is designed for patrons who have prior experience using a sewing machine to complete many types of fiber arts projects. If you are new to machine sewing, we recommend you take our Sewing 101 workshop before using our serger. 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.

  • Oct
    03 Sat

    Hive Safety Training (Main)

    Are you interested in using The Hive? In this workshop you will learn about our makerspace, how to utilize the resources we offer and how to keep safe in The Hive. Find out what you need to get started as a maker in The Hive here. Completion of Hive Safety Training is the entry point to making, innovating, and collaborating in this space. Makers must also sign The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.

  • Oct
    03 Sat

    Hand Embroidery for Mending (Valente)

    Hand Embroidery will cover an assortment of basic embroidery stitches that can be used to embellish your clothing and hide (or highlight!) holes and stains! Leave class with a sampler of embroidery stitches you can refer back to, along with knowledge of tools, materials, and techniques for stitching up embroidered designs. Suitable for beginners with little or no embroidery experience, or those who want a refresher on the basics. Registration is required.

  • Oct
    03 Sat

    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.

  • Oct
    05 Mon

    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.

  • Oct
    05 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.

  • Oct
    05 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. Young people are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website.

  • Oct
    06 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.

  • Oct
    06 Tue

    CPL Nature Club - Alewife Afternoon Nature Walk (O'Neill)

    Come explore the nature in our urban backyard! We will take a leisurely walk as we observe and learn together about the animals and plants at Alewife Reservation. You are welcome to bring binoculars, magnifying glasses or any other observational tool. The paths and boardwalks are well maintained but can be muddy in places. The walk will meet at the stone benches by the wetland boardwalk. To view the location in Google Maps and get directions, click here. Limited free parking is available in the Alewife Reservation lot on Acorn Drive. In case of inclement weather, this event will be canceled. Registration is helpful but not required. For more information call the O’Neill Branch at 617-349-4023.

  • Oct
    06 Tue

    LEGO Time (Central Square)

    It's a monthly 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 library has plenty of LEGO pieces, so you don't need to bring your own. For more information, please contact the Central Square Branch Library Children's Room at 617-349-4012.

  • Oct
    06 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. Young people are invited to learn more and apply on the iFp website.

  • Oct
    06 Tue

    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.

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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