Department of Design and Construction311Search all NYC.gov websites

DDC STEAM and PS 108K Launch the Young Engineers Program

On October 15, 2021, the NYC Department of Design and Construction’s STEAM Team introduced the Young Engineers Program to students of PS 108K the Sal Abbracciamento School. The facilitators and students will begin implementation of the DDC Young Engineers curricula ”Building the Future”.

DDC STEAM’s Young Engineers Program is designed to educate students on the fundamentals of environmentally responsible city planning as it pertains to public buildings and infrastructure and to introduce students to careers in the built environment (architecture, engineering, and construction management). The “Building the Future” curriculum emphasizes the structural characteristics of 3D shapes, bridge engineering, constructing with I-beams, creating building models and green technologies such as bioswales, tower gardens and green roofs. As a result of the pandemic, the curricula has been revised and enhanced for virtual and in-person learning. Educators use hands-on activities to present students with real-world issues and how architects, engineers, and built environment professionals solve those issues on a daily basis.

STEAM Initiatives Program Coordinators Tatiana Vargas and Gemelli Briceño spoke to students about the projects DDC has worked on around New York City and the many pipeline opportunities STEAM provides to middle and high school students. The STEAM team also introduced students to construction site safety procedures using the DDC Construction Site Safety poster. The students were asked to identify any workers who were not practicing construction site safety. The PS 108K Young Engineers pointed out safety gear and multiple potentially dangerous actions on the construction site. They then played the STEAM Virtual Game Show and answered STEAM related trivia questions.

“The Young Engineers Club affords additional opportunities for schools to provide equity to all students. Our students have the ability to be successful in any career they choose. What limits them is their lack of exposure to careers in science, mathematics, and engineering. DDC’s Young Engineers Program opens up a world of possibilities to our students,” stated PS 108K Principal Constance Hahn.

“It is critically important for young people to be exposed to the STEAM professions, and in particular careers in Engineering, Architecture and Construction. These are the careers of the future and NYC students need to be prepared. This is an opportunity to reach the students who will one day diversify the STEAM workforce and broaden the pool of ideas that influence the built environment,” said DDC Deputy Commissioner for Community Partnerships & STEAM Initiatives Lee Llambelis.

DDC STEAM activities

Building the Future Curriculum, DDC Construction Site Safety Poster, and the STEAM Virtual Game Show

 

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 long-term vision 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, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15.5 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