August 1, 2016

STEAM Initiatives Hosts Community Service Day in South Bronx

High school and college interns prepare goodie bags for District 9 teachers and staff.

New York City Department of Design and Construction’s (DDC) STEAM education initiative, in partnership with the Learning through an Expanded Arts Program (LeAp), the New York City Department of Education (DOE), and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), hosted Community Service Day at M.S. 22 on East 167th Street in the South Bronx. The event was attended by middle school, high school and college students who participated in DDC summer programs this year. They were also joined by members of the local community.

DDC’s college, high school and middle school interns helped organize the various activities, which included neighborhood gardening; painting a community peace mural; salsa, bachata and bomba dance lessons and a father-son basketball tournament. 

“DDC is very pleased with the level of neighborhood engagement seen at this year’s Community Service Day,” said DDC Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora. “Our STEAM initiative has been successful in educating students through collaboration and teamwork, both of which are important principles in building a city such as New York. It’s wonderful to bring students from all over the City to join community members to beautify neighborhoods and support one another.”

Students painted murals to be displayed throughout their neighborhoods.

“Although the STEAM initiative typically focuses on architecture, engineering and construction education, Community Service Day is extremely important in teaching interpersonal skills and teamwork as keys to improving day-to-day life,” said DDC Community Partnerships & STEAM Initiatives Deputy Commissioner Lee Llambelis. “We’re happy we could come back to Bronx District 9 and continue to influence the community through outreach and education.”