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 economically disadvantaged students prepared to enter college, and improve their participation rate in mathematics, science, technology, health-related fields, and the licensed professions.
Join the STEAM Lab mailing list to be notified of future opportunities:
Fall 2026 – Classes To Be Announced
Summer 2026 – Ongoing
Pratt Institute’s STEAM Lab Summer Program welcomes rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders to learn hands-on creative skills in exciting week-long programs!
Each week features a series of workshops and field trips focused on a specific STEAM topic.
Week 1: Animation – July 6-10
For gamers and creative storytellers, get introduced to the art of animation. We will learn world-building, design their very own animated character, and create concept art!
Week 2: Sports Science – July 13-17
Play sports, while learning the science of sports medicine! Each day will include an outdoor sport and interactive workshop on how to understand and care for an athlete’s body.
Week 3: Woodworking – July 20-24
Discover the craft of woodworking in our state-of-the-art woodshop! We will learn how to safely operate hand tools and build their own wooden fidget toy to take home.
Week 4: Glam Lab – July 27-31
Create your own natural self-care products! Participants will make organic lotions and soaps with natural pigments, learn dermatology, and get glamorous through hands-on creative projects.
Week 5: Nature’s Toolbox – August 3-7
Explore what our outdoor environment has to offer through art and design! We will use hands-on projects like papermaking, creating biomaterial keychains, and tree stewardship to creatively care for the environment.
Week 6: Architecture on Wheels – August 10-14
Design and build a custom bicycle cart! Working with local experimental bike shop Bikeport, participants will ideate, design, test, and build an architectural bike structure.
Past Classes
- Biomimicry
- Botanical Alchemy
- Creative Computing
- Design & Entrepreneurship
- Future of Fashion
- Harmonies of Art and Nature
- Industrial Design 101
- Pattern Studio
- Passive House Design
- Urban Ecology
- Robotics
- SAT Prep
- SHSAT Prep
- Tech & Tutoring
- Wood Works
- World of Weaving
Learning at STEAM Lab
STEAM Lab Summer Program is a place for young people to learn new hands-on maker skills, have fun, make friends, and feel empowered to use technology creatively. Our programs are taught by working professionals and hosted at Pratt Institute’s Research Yard, a state-of-the-art facility – giving participants access to the highest quality of instruction in a fun and playful environment. Participants are encouraged to create joyfully, express themselves, and dedicate themselves to learning a new exciting skill to the best of their ability. STEAM Lab welcomes participants from all backgrounds and of differing abilities.
Contact Us
Megan Aebi Opeña, Director of Programs • maebi@pratt.edu
Ben Schneier, Program Coordinator • bschneie@pratt.edu