STEAM Academy

The Cambridge Public Library (CPL) launched the STEAM Academy in 2020 to provide immersive courses and internships for Cambridge youth. Educators, academics and professionals agree that all young people should have access to educational experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM). Championing equity, the Academy is open to all youth but prioritizes individuals and groups who are underrepresented in the professional STEAM workforce. 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. The Library's premiere partner in this work is Innovators for Purpose (iFp), a youth-driven design studio.

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:

The Cambridge STEAM Initiative is a joint venture between the City of Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs, Cambridge Public School Department and the Cambridge Public Library. STEAM is an integrated approach to learning that incorporates STEAM Habits of Mind using any combination of STEAM areas of study - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math - as access points for inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. Using a racial justice lens to frame all of its efforts, the STEAM Initiative works to ensure that Cambridge residents who are most impacted by systemic inequities have access to high quality STEAM programming, resources, and skill-building opportunities. Learn more about our vision.