After school, Weekend + Summer Sessions
The Foundry has offered a broad range of after school, weekend and summer options to youth. See below for our current offerings.
Young Entrepreneurs Program
Program Description: In this program, students design and make items to sell using The Foundry's tech and/or textile labs. They meet entrepreneurs and learn about business while earning money from e-commerce and in-person market sales. During December and May, you can purchase some of these products through our e-commerce store. All sales support and pay students as they learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur. This program is made possible through the generous support of Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation.
Age Range: High school age students
Eligibility Criteria: Must be currently enrolled in Buffalo public high school or charter school (some homeschool students may be eligible - reach out to discuss your particular situation)
Middle School STEAM Programs
Program Description: Offsite at area middle schools, students gain practical insight into making through Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) concepts. Applying these principles in their own projects, students develop new and powerful designs. Examples of past sessions:
- Two different groups of students have worked with us to construct laser-cut nightlights with built-in motion sensors that we designed for younger students. A bit of coding, soldering and even 3D printing was involved.
- Three different groups of students joined us to create interactive fireflies from recycled materials and small electronic components. The little creatures light up when you wave at them - a great way to learn more about light, energy and circuits.
- Two groups of students developed collections of sewn stuffed animals with embedded circuits, which they made for younger students. LED “eyes” soldered to tiny sensors light up when touched.
Age Range: We have worked with a broad range of schools and organizations such as Boys & Girls Club (5th-8th grade), WEDI, Futures Academy (7-8th grade) and Tapestry Charter School (5th grade). We work to offer STEAM sessions each Fall and Spring, and have the capacity to support ~12 students in each program.
Special thanks to Cullen Foundation, The Margaret L Wendt Foundation, The Garman Family Foundation, Third Generation Fund, Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, and The Emerging Philanthropists of Color for their grants in support of our STEM and STEAM sessions.
*If you are interested in partnering with us to offer programming, please begin the process by filling out our partnership request form.
If you would like more information or wish to support the growth of our afterschool programs, please contact [email protected]
Past Programs
Tech + Art (hopefully returning Winter 2022)
Program Description: In our T+A program, students use micro-computers and motion sensors, 3D print objects we design, and attend sessions on-site to support a deep understanding of art + tech. Together we explore basic coding to make interactive systems operate. In addition, we have guest speakers visit and talk about their STEAM jobs so students are more aware of the broad range of career options available to them.
Age Range: High school students