Welcome to the Reeves Institute for Future Leaders in STEM and Design, a dedicated non-profit organization based in the heart of New York City.
Our mission is to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators through comprehensive Design classes and life skill building, informed by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and outreach programs. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to explore their potential in these critical fields, and we are committed to providing the resources, mentorship, and support necessary to foster a lifelong passion for learning and discovery. Join us in our journey to create a brighter future for all through the power of STEM.
What do we offer?
At the Reeves Institute for Future Leaders in STEM and Design, we provide afterschool programs in which students ages 13–17 are immersed in an educational experience where creativity meets innovation. Our programs use the worlds of fashion, construction, and technology as gateways to explore deeper STEM concepts in ways that are both relevant and inspiring. Teens learn to think like designers and engineers, using hands-on projects to explore the logic behind how things are made—from the structure of a garment to the framework of a building. Lessons emphasize design thinking, systems analysis, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping sustainable futures. By blending artistic expression with technical precision, we help students see that STEM is not just about equations or code—it’s a tool for shaping the world around them.
The following are key points of emphasis of how we approach integrating STEM into each program we offer:
STEM Integration in Fashion:
Use of geometry and measurement in pattern-making.
Exploration of textile science and sustainable materials.
Introduction to wearable technology and innovation.
STEM Integration in Construction:
Lessons in structural engineering and spatial math.
Application of physics through hands-on model building.
Development of skills in blueprint reading and design.
Technology Component:
Use of digital design software.
Exposure to automation and coding for practical applications.
Educational Approach:
Hands-on, project-based learning environment.
Focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.
Encouragement of youth leadership in STEM and design-driven industries.
Why is our goal important?
The Reeves Institute for Future Leaders in STEM and Design is especially needed in New York City because we addresses the unique challenges and opportunities faced by urban youth in one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse metropolitan areas. Despite NYC’s status as a global hub for fashion, architecture, technology, and innovation, many teenagers—particularly those from underserved neighborhoods—lack access to quality STEM education that connects to these industries. The Institute provides free, hands-on programs tailored for teens that bridge this gap by combining STEM learning with real-world applications in fashion, construction, and technology. By empowering NYC’s youth with skills in design thinking, engineering, and digital tools, the Reeves Institute helps prepare them to thrive in competitive local industries, while fostering creativity, leadership, and economic opportunity. This makes what we do at the Reeves Institute a vital resource for building a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient future for New York City.
