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December 16, 2016

Young Engineering Program Showcase at JHS 8 - Richard S. Grossley School

The New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) hosted its Young Engineers show case at JHS 8, the Richard S. Grossley School in Jamaica, Queens, highlighting the work of 26 middle school student participants in STEAM education initiatives, a DDC program that introduces public school students to the careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Architecture/Art and Math. Almost 900 students have participated in STEAM programming this year, double the number of students served in 2015.

Students at JHS 8 in Jamaica tested their model city structures and demonstrated their understanding of the fundamentals of environmentally responsible urban design. The six-week course, led by DDC program coordinators, used the framework from the “Engineering is Elementary: Don’t Runoff” curriculum, created by the Museum of Science in Boston, which introduces students to new and emerging technologies that will help counter the effects of storm water runoff in natural bodies of water such as the East River, Hudson River, Lower New York Bay and Atlantic Ocean. These bodies of water can all be negatively affected by storm water that mixes with sewage or litter on City streets.

“We help students think critically about the built environment and the concepts of sustainability, equity, resiliency, and healthy living that are driving the next generation of public design. Along the way, we instill confidence in their ability to do advanced math and science. This program open’s their eyes to new career opportunities and inspires students to become the urban planners and architects of tomorrow,” said DDC Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora.

“The students whose work was recognized during today’s Young Engineers Showcase have made our Borough proud,” said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. “Many young people have benefitted from the DDC STEAM Education Initiative, an invaluable program for our City to develop the next generation of engineers, architects and urban planners if we are to remain globally competitive in the 21st century. The New York City Department of Design and Construction, led by Commissioner Peña-Mora, deserves to be commended for undertaking this important initiative for our City’s future.”

"The success of the STEAM program has given our young scholars the confidence they need to enter the math and science industries of the future" said City Council Member I. Daneek Miller. "These students are on their way to accomplishing much and I cannot wait to see it."

“This wonderful program is an incredible educational resource that is helping to cultivate the next generation of STEAM innovators by tapping into the imagination and creativity of young people across the City,” said DYCD Commissioner Bill Chong.