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January 24, 2017

DDC STEAM Educational Programs Reach 2,000-Student Milestone In Less Than Three Years

Twice as many middle schoolers and nearly three times as many high school students in 2017
Exposing New York City public school students to technical careers

Contact:
Ian Michaels
718-391-1589

Students at PS 127 in Manhattan participate in a DDC STEAM Design Challenge in April 2017

Long Island City, NY – The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) reached a milestone in 2017 as its STEAM educational program engaged its 2,000th City student in programming designed to foster interest in careers in science, technology, engineering, architecture/art and mathematics.

Since early 2015, DDC STEAM has reached 2,148 students through outreach efforts, enrichment programs and summer internships. In 2017, STEAM programs reached 548 middle school students, more than double the number reached during the previous year, and 247 high school students, almost triple, according to the program’s year-end report (pdf).

“I’m so proud to see the Department of Design and Construction engage more and more young New Yorkers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Architecture and Mathematics programs,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “So far, more than 2,000 students have gotten to peek inside the City’s engineering agency — and see how they might help build a stronger, more just and resilient future New York City.”

“In support of Mayor de Blasio’s vision DDC is happy to play a role in getting more students interested in STEAM and pursuing careers in the built environment. Careers in architecture, engineering and construction are crucial as New York City prepares for 21st century climate threats by building a more resilient NYC. These careers pay well, remain in high demand and can offer young New Yorkers a clear pathway to success,” said DDC Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio.

DDC STEAM’s Young Engineer Program Showcase held at DDC headquarters in December 2017

DDC STEAM continually works with the NYC Department of Education (DOE) and the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) to expand its outreach to public school students, and provides professional development training to NYC public school teachers and after-school educators so they can better present the STEAM curriculum. Last September, DDC STEAM conducted the first “Train the Trainer” workshop for DYCD and DOE staff from sites participating in DDC STEAM middle school enrichment programs so they could facilitate DDC’s Young Engineers Program.

“I thank DDC for its ongoing partnership in exposing our students to high-quality, hands-on STEAM learning opportunities,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “This work is making a difference for students across our City, including many who now see a clear path to studying STEAM subjects in higher education or pursuing a career in a STEAM field.”

“DYCD is proud to join our agency partners DDC and DOE to celebrate this incredible milestone of more than 2,100 young people who are on track to become our next generation of innovators. Whether through the Young Engineers Program or DYCD-funded COMPASS afterschool programs incorporating robotics and other STEAM curriculum into their programming, these hands-on opportunities help students gain career-building skills that prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow,” said DYCD Commissioner Bill Chong.

“We’re thrilled that in less than three years DDC has engaged more than 2,000 students in our STEAM programs. When we launched this division our goal was to provide New York City students with the tools they would need to pursue careers in the built environment and prepare them for a competitive job market. The hope is that because of this effort, we will see more underrepresented youth working as the engineers, architects and construction leaders of the future,” said Lee Llambelis, DDC Deputy Commissioner for Community Partnerships and STEAM Initiatives.

Other successful DDC STEAM programs include: Opportunity Academy, Ace Mentor Program, Town & Gown, and the High School Summer Internship program that is currently accepting applications until February 16th. The six-week paid internship program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in architecture, engineering, building trades, public administration, business administration or information technology.

For more information on DDC STEAM’s programs and how to apply, click here.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s lenses of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, new or upgraded roadways, sewers, water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative, and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to city projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.