The Cambridge Public Library (CPL) is proud to announce the January 2020 launch of the Cambridge Public Library STEAM Academy, in partnership with local non-profit organization Innovators for Purpose (iFp).
Educators, academics and professionals agree that all young people should have access to educational experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM). The STEAM Academy will provide immersive summer and multi-week after-school courses, open to all Cambridge youth, but prioritizing underserved communities.
iFp uses an integrated and creative problem-solving process that blends art and science to prepare youth for the innovation economy. Students enrolled in the STEAM Academy will work with real-world customers and STEM professionals to design and deliver complex projects, while developing technical skills and becoming immersed in the local innovation economy.
- Creative Doers Internship Program: Participants will hone their “creative doing” skills while working on client-based projects. Internships are open to students 14-18 years of age who reside in Cambridge, with a limited number of paid stipend positions available.
Meets Mondays Meets Mondays & Thursdays from Jan. 13 - May 28, 3:30pm - 6:30pm, at the Main Library.
- Robots that Make a Difference: A free, after-school program for 7th and 8th graders that introduces the world of robotics using a humanities-first approach.
Meets Tuesdays, 3:30 pm - 5:45 pm, Jan. 14 - May 5 at the Valente Branch.
- Art, Music, Movies and Making: A free after-school course for 7th and 8th graders that introduces the world of digital fabrication including 3D-printers, laser cutters and more. Students will create special collections based on their favorite artwork, music and movies.
Meets Wednesdays, 3:30pm - 6:30pm, Feb. 26 - May 6 at the Main Library.
Funding has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge Trust Company, the Eric and Jane Nord Family Fund, Google, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Massachusetts Library Association, Richard Miner and Corinne Nagy, and Verizon.
About the STEAM Initiative:
Cambridge STEAM Initiative, a partnership between the City’s Department of Human Service Programs, the Cambridge Public Library and Cambridge Public Schools, is committed to creating, enhancing, and expanding equitable access to quality STEAM learning experiences from birth to adulthood. By 2022, the partners commit to engaging 10,000 community members, including diverse and traditionally underrepresented populations, in quality STEAM programming ranging from introductory exposure activities to intensive internship experiences.