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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

Events

  • Aug
    10 Mon

    Beatmaking (Main)

    Learn basic music production skills with FL Studio, a digital music workspace. In this hands-on introductory class, become familiar with core tools for creating and arranging digital beats and melodies. Registration is required. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.

  • Aug
    10 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.

  • Aug
    10 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.

  • Aug
    11 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.

  • Aug
    11 Tue

    CPL Nature Club: Draw a Bird with Local Artist Mary C. Sullivan (Collins)

    Join local artist Mary C. Sullivan and learn how to draw the bird of your choice! Participants of any skill level are welcome and will leave the program with their own finished bird drawing. If you don't think you can draw a bird, that's okay - this event will show you that you can! All drawing and reference materials will be provided. Registration is required for this program. This program is suggested for participants ages 8 and up.

  • Aug
    11 Tue

    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. 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.

  • Aug
    11 Tue

    Hive Safety Training (Virtual)

    In this workshop, you will learn about our makerspace, how to use our resources, and how to keep safe in The Hive. Registration is required. The link will be sent out an hour before the workshop starts. Before taking in-person workshops in The Hive, all makers must bring signed copies of The Hive User Agreement and Waivers.

  • Aug
    12 Wed

    Summer Reading: Observing the Partial Solar Eclipse with #Popscope (O'Neill)

    Join us during the partial solar eclipse and learn how to safely observe it! Eclipse glasses will be provided. This program will happen outside. In case of bad weather, there will be modified activities inside the Library. Funding for Summer Reading has been generously provided by the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

  • Aug
    12 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.

  • Aug
    12 Wed

    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.

  • Aug
    12 Wed

    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.

  • Aug
    13 Thu

    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.

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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