Mayor Rahm Emanuel visited students participating in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) Studio, a Summer of Learning Program held at Chicago Cultural Center’s Garland Room, which has been turned into a creative space for students interested in pursuing media, photography, or fashion-related projects.

“Summer of Learning turns the various cultural assets Chicago has to offer into different classrooms for our students to explore new interests and develop valuable skills,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. “This summer, students have thousands of learning opportunities available in every corner of the City that will entertain them today and empower them later in the future.”

At the location the Mayor visited today, students are challenged to use digital and physical tools to design and produce media and wearable fashions inspired by STEAM curriculum. For example, tools such as 3-D printers, construction tools, and robotics equipment are available to students for their projects.

Summer of Learning represents the first coordinated and dedicated approach of its kind for youth in every neighborhood to access high-quality programs. In a unique public-private partnership, the City has teamed up with the MacArthur Foundation and Mozilla to be the first city to pilot a citywide digital “badge” system that visually represents and rewards students’ achievements.

Summer of Learning builds upon Mayor Emanuel’s commitments to provide each student with a well-rounded education that includes the arts and ensures students develop the skills and knowledge to succeed academically and compete for the careers of the future. These initiatives include: a full school day for CPS schools and full day kindergarten for all children, the opening of five Early College STEM Schools, the implementation of the new CPS arts education plan, a $1 million investment to support 60 new CPS school learning gardens that provide students with hands-on nutrition and science education and the launch of College to Careers to ensure City Colleges of Chicago students have an education that prepares them for in-demand jobs and careers in growing fields.

Photo Caption: Students show the Mayor their Summer of Learning projects.

Photo Credit: Brooke Collins // City of Chicago

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