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Looking Glass Unveiling


6/11/2019 • 4 years ago

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 4 years ago.

Looking Glass Unveiling

Innovators for Purpose (IFP), a Cambridge-based non-profit working with Cambridge Middle and High School students, cut the ribbon for their first public art installation, positioned in the heart of Kendall Square, the culmination of a two-year project that began with an immersive, free summer STEAM program at the Cambridge Public Library in the summer of 2017.

The installation, titled the Looking Glass, invites viewers to gaze backward and forward in time. Looking back, one can imagine Cambridge’s first building boom, spurred by the opening of the West Boston Bridge (today’s Longfellow Bridge) in 1793. Looking in the other direction, one can glimpse the future being created by some of the world’s most innovative institutions and companies.

"The Looking Glass will serve as a visible representation of our students perseverance, ambition and desire to be a part of the innovation economy," said IFP founder, Michael Dawson. "Our Teens have a permanent portfolio piece that will help them standout on college applications and beyond. How many of their peers will be able to say that the worked on a 2 year project from beginning to end?"

Students in attendance were excited to see their project become reality. One student spoke to how this project has inspired him to become a mechanical engineer. Another student talked about how the project helped improve his social skills and public speaking skills, in addition to his STEAM skills.

Innovators for Purpose works to inspire high-potential diverse youth to unearth passions, cultivate skills, and become creators capable of producing innovative solutions to complex problems in their communities and the world around them. IFP is a STEAM at the Library partner, and has offered free summer and after school programs at the Cambridge Public Library since 2017.

Other Looking Glass project partners include Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, Boston Properties, VHB, Novartis, MIT IDM, Cambridge Historical Commission, Cambridge Community Foundation and Bluebird Graphic Solutions.