DDC’s Young Engineers Showcase At MS 447/The Math & Science Exploratory School

On Wednesday, June 8th, 2022, the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC), in partnership with Learning Through an Expanded Arts Program (LeAp), hosted its Young Engineers Showcase at MS 447, the Math & Science Exploratory School in Brooklyn.

The showcase highlighted the work of middle school students in the school’s STEAM education initiative, a DDC program that introduces New York City students to the fields of science, technology, engineering, architecture/art, and math. Students in the Young Engineers Program participated in an 8-week course that taught fundamentals of environmentally responsible city planning as it pertains to public buildings and infrastructure. The STEAM Young Engineers Program introduces students to new and emerging technologies that will help counter the effects of storm water runoff in natural bodies of water. During the course, students engineered their own urban landscape and learned about the importance of the city’s combined sewage systems and overflow areas.

“This session was specially designed so that students can learn about environmental issues. We want to continue to teach students about sustainable engineering concepts and provide mentorship leading to careers in these fields. Our goal for our Young Engineers is to have our students envision themselves as the engineers, architects and built environment professionals of the future, working to implement the concepts they’ve learned in their own communities,” said DDC Deputy Commissioner of Community Partnerships and STEAM Initiatives Lee Llambelis.

Monique Jarvis, LeAp Director of Partnerships stated, “LeAp is grateful for our continued collaboration with DDC STEAM. Our partnership with STEAM makes it possible for us to engage the untapped potential for greatness that our young people possess and STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math) is an excellent path to get there. The children we engage today are the inventors, problem-solvers, and creative geniuses of the twenty-first century. LeAp is thrilled to be working with DDC STEAM initiatives as we strive to ensure our youth are prepared to lead in a diverse STEM labor force.”

"LeAp is proud to partner with DDC in our aligned effort to provide exciting and engaging STEAM programming to NYC school children in underserved communities. This effort has introduced our students to career options in the sciences and technology and has helped them build the skills needed to make those dreams a reality. Together we are working to break the cycle of poverty by preparing our children for the twenty-first century workforce,” said Rich Souto, Executive Director, LeAp.

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 Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings 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.