Pratt STEAM Lab

A group of students are seated around a large table in a bright classroom, working with sewing machines and fabric. Some students are focused on hand stitching, while others are using the machines. Spools of thread, fabric pieces, and sewing supplies are spread across the table. In the background, computers, 3D printers, and design materials suggest a creative lab environment. A student in a yellow dress stands near the back wall observing the activity.

Pratt STEAM Lab provides free in-school, after-school, and weekend classes to over 260 middle school and high school students annually. Leveraging Pratt’s faculty experts, facilities, resources and network of collaborators, it offers rigorous science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) programming, augmented by academic tutoring, SAT prep and college counseling.

The program draws on the students’ innate curiosity, imagination and creativity to introduce them to a wide range of scientific and technological fields. Classes are run on-site at partner schools, at Pratt’s state-of-the-art maker space at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and on Pratt’s main campus.

Pratt STEAM Lab is funded by New York State STEP (Science & Technology Entry Program), which aims to increase the number of historically underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students prepared to enter college, and improve their participation rate in mathematics, science, technology, health-related fields, and the licensed professions.