On July 7th, 2014, Grand St. Settlement welcomed Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Bill Chong to its 80 Pitt Street Community Center to kick off summer enrichment activities for middle school students. The Mayor’s visit to our Summer Day Camp focused on enrichment and expanded learning opportunities, which he affirmed are what make all the difference when it comes to achievement and success.

Mayor de Blasio joined middle school summer campers in the Computer Clubhouse, which, as part of an international network of Computer Clubhouses funded by Intel and others, serves as a hub for engineering, robotics, graphic design and other STEM projects. This summer, Grand St. Settlement has dialed in on what the STEM education model has to offer young people: deeper and broader connections to the community around them and horizons that expand into their futures.

The Mayor surveyed catapults constructed by the middle school children and admired their hard work and team spirit, applauding them for tackling real-world engineering challenges, applied math and science concepts, and critical thinking skills. He also commended the Settlement and its staff for creating an environment where young people know they aren’t just playing – they’re learning – and loving everything about it. As a cornerstone of the Lower East Side community for the past 98 years, Grand St. Settlement understands the acute needs of youth growing up in communities impacted by growing income disparities – and remains determined not to see these disparities reflected in the opportunities available to youth. All summer long over 550 campers at five different locations will work to earn STEM Skill Badges for their participation in applying the scientific method, creative problem solving, group collaboration, and leadership.

For more photos, check out our Facebook album here!