In 2012, as part of an art enrichment outreach program, the Center
They learned all about Nano Technology through Cornell’s Nanzo
began hosting classes for after school students in 3 school districts.
and made a trip to participate in the Mohawk Valley Community
When those programs lost funding, the Board of Directors of the
College’s Nano Days. Ten Center students were the first in our area to
Center felt that the enrichment program was a vital part of the
compete in the First LEGO League Robotics Challenge. The Pratt R/
community and voted to continue to host programs at the Center.
Cats were the youngest rookie team. Unfortunately, during the
As a result, a 5 day a week enrichment program, which combined all
competition, they did not earn enough points to continue. The
aspects of the traditional arts, was introduced. This program was
experience they gained was more important than winning and they
formed under our “Schools Out ~A Creative Me Guidelines of
all acquired a deeper appreciation for working as a team, the
Enrichment” and focused on children from Pre- Kindergarten thru
benefits of computers, robotics and programming. They also
fifth grade. The program was designed to increase their knowledge
received experience in public speaking and they had fun. A true
in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art along with Math
learning experience.
and Music). The students are engaged in all aspects of the arts, from
visual arts to performing arts.
The STEAM students have developed a STEAM Choir. The choir
performs at special events, school based events, and, in general, they
make themselves available for many public events. Many of the
students take piano lessons, guitar lessons, voice lessons and violin
here at the Center and they also perform at these events. Part of the
Center’s curriculum includes a 10-week music theory class that all
students attend.
These students have created their own Pratt STEAM Newsletter, are
entered into wonderful contests such as the Scholastic “Kids Are
Authors Too”, State and local Senate contests and the 2014 Google
Doodle Contest. They have worked with Cornell University’s Bird
Sleuth Program becoming Citizen Scientists.
STEAM Pratt Ro/Cats Robotics team.
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