October 28, 2016

DDC Hosts Young Engineers Program with the Lower East Side Girls Club

 

The New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) hosted its Young Engineers program (YEP) showcase with the Lower East Side Girls Club at their headquarters on Avenue D in Manhattan. The event featured 26 middle and high school girls who presented their sustainable design projects from the DDC educational program that promotes science, technology, engineering, architecture/art and mathematics (STEAM) disciplines.

DDC’s STEAM division partnered with the Lower East Side Girls Club to host an afterschool program with girls from various public middle and high schools. For seven weeks, students in the Young Engineers program learned about environmentally conscious design, the importance of mitigating pollution, and methods to prevent polluted storm water from reaching natural sources of water around the city.

“In support of Mayor de Blasio’s vision for quality education, this program was designed to teach students sustainable engineering concepts and preparation for career opportunities in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction. We want to continue encouraging young women to ignite their passion to pursue careers in these fields because these industries tend to be male-dominated,” said DDC Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora

“The Young Engineers Program is critically important because it gives equal opportunity to students in communities where they might not be exposed to careers in the built environment, such as architecture, engineering and construction. We hope they will consider becoming the future architects, engineers, construction managers and other built environment professionals who will implement the cutting edge techniques that will make our city a better place to live,” said DDC Deputy Commissioner of Community Partnerships and STEAM Initiatives Lee Llambelis.

“Equity and Excellence for All means bringing resources and opportunities to every student and family regardless of the language spoken at home or the neighborhood in which they live,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “The Young Engineers Program brings exciting opportunities for students and exposes them to the high-demand STEAM fields, helping to ensure participating students have the tools they need to achieve success in the 21st century economy.”

“I don’t think there is better career for women right now in these times if you live in the city than to be an Engineer or an Architect. There are so many opportunities available for those who have an education in these fields; this is only the beginning for these young women, said Executive Director of the Lower East Side Girls Club Lyn Pentecost.

“Project-based STEAM education that puts our students’ minds to work solving real-world problems is meaningful and effective, and we should do whatever we can to promote it,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “I congratulate the Young Engineers showcasing their work today, and thank the Department of Design and Construction and Lower East Side Girls Club for supporting this important program and STEAM education in general.”