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Home > Cambridge STEAM Initiative

Cambridge STEAM Initiative

Cambridge STEAM Initiative Logo

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

  • Apr
    07 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.

  • Apr
    07 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.

  • Apr
    07 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.

  • Apr
    07 Tue

    OctoStudio Playtest (O'Neill)

    Families with school-age children can come to the Library to play with the creative coding app OctoStudio. Help test brand new animation features on the app and provide your feedback! Please register in advance. Devices will be provided. Only one registration is needed per family, and adults are encouraged to participate alongside their children!

  • Apr
    07 Tue

    OctoStudio Playtest (O'Neill)

    Families with school-age children can come to the Library to play with the creative coding app OctoStudio. Help test brand new animation features on the app and provide your feedback! Please register in advance. Devices will be provided. Only one registration is needed per family, and adults are encouraged to participate alongside their children!

  • Apr
    07 Tue

    2D Animation with Gif-O-Grafs for Adults (Valente)

    Try out 2D animation with Gif-O-grafs! Adults 18+ are invited to tell a story using 2D animation. Registration Required.

  • Apr
    07 Tue

    OctoStudio Playtest (O'Neill)

    Families with school-age children can come to the Library to play with the creative coding app OctoStudio. Help test brand new animation features on the app and provide your feedback! Please register in advance. Devices will be provided. Only one registration is needed per family, and adults are encouraged to participate alongside their children!

  • Apr
    07 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
    07 Tue

    Gardening for Biodiversity: Supporting Pollinators, Birds and Other Species with Native Plants (Main/Virtual)

    Learn how to restore biodiversity and help slow climate change — while creating a beautiful garden! Join Amy Meltzer as we discuss the following: The current biodiversity crisis The shared evolutionary history among native birds, insects and plants How your support of those relationships are necessary for the species' survival How your garden can support biodiversity How you can help our Cambridge public plantings thrive This is a hybrid event. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants 1 hour before the event. The in-person event will take place in the Learning Lab.

  • Apr
    07 Tue

    XR Lab 101 (Main)

    Extended reality (XR) opens the door to worlds and experiences outside the everyday through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality equipment. Test drive our Microsoft HoloLens augmented reality glasses, Structure Sensor 3D scanner, Merge headsets, and more. Registration is required. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

  • Apr
    08 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.

  • Apr
    08 Wed

    Wildlife on Wheels (Collins)

    Celebrate Jasmine Warga's new book, The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan, about an unlikely friendship between a cheetah and a rescue dog who are paired as an animal ambassador team at a zoo — at this special event. Meet animals from The Zoo in Forest Park (Springfield, MA) and discover the amazing adaptations that help them survive in the wild. Ask questions and learn what you can do to protect wildlife. Recommended for children ages 6 and up. This event is part of a special series promoting our 2026 Curious George Lecture with Jasmine Warga, award-winning author of A Rover's Story, Other Words for Home and many other popular children's books. Funding is generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation. Save the Date: the Lecture will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 6 p.m. at the Main Library.

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 

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