As a part of the city’s initiatives to prepare Chicago’s students for in-demand careers, STEAM Studio ― a summer program for students interested in media, photography, and fashion ― is under way.
The Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) Studio ― held in the Chicago Cultural Center ― provides students with advanced technology such as 3D printers and robotics. The program challenges students to develop wearable fashions and media projects. As part of Chicago’s larger Summer of Learning Program, students city-wide are engaging in hands-on learning, earning badges and creating projects to present in an end-of-summer Chicago event, according to ChicagoSummerOfLearning.
“Summer of Learning turns the various cultural assets Chicago has to offer into different classrooms for our students to explore new interests and develop valuable skills,” says Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
The project offers hands-on experience in various fields of study, working alongside 100 Chicago organizations, online and in-person. Students can earn entry- and city-level badges, by completing individual activities or participating in citywide summer programs, to unlock challenges, according to ChicagoSummerOfLearning. Once the challenges are completed, students can present their work at city showcases. The badges can also be presented to teachers and professionals as a proof of education in a field. Summer of Learning enhances the city’s public education initiatives, which include opening five Early College Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Schools and the implementation of College to Careers ― a partnership between city colleges and industry leaders in fields such as healthcare and business. These initiatives intertwine with Summer of Learning to bridge the gap between education and a future career. ❒
[Photo of Mayor Emanuel visiting students at Summer of Learning Program courtesy of Mayor’s Press Office]
