Admissions
Applying to the Brooklyn STEAM Center
Partner High Schools
In order to attend the Brooklyn STEAM Center you must be a student at one of the following eight partner schools:
High School for Global Citizenship
Medgar Evers College Preparatory School
George Westinghouse CTE High School
S.T.A.R. Early College High School
Boys and Girls High School
Benjamin Banneker High School
Science Skills Center High School
Bedford Academy High School
General Admissions Process
The general process for a scholar to be enrolled with the Brooklyn STEAM Center is outlined below:
Research us and our partner schools (e.g. Open House) to determine if we would be the right fit.
Apply in the NYC High School Admissions Application for a partner school using the specific Brooklyn STEAM Center code and then be accepted there.
Complete accelerated coursework in Grades 9 & 10 while engaging with semi-annual STEAM events to accumulate credits and learn more about us.
Submit near the end of Grade 10 your Brooklyn STEAM Center supplementary application (pick your pathway) and await your acceptance notification!
It is recommended that scholars that apply to a partner school without the appropriate Brooklyn STEAM Center code speak to their school counselor to ensure they will be programmed for courses to take advantage of the program.
Planning for Success, The Journey
Although scholars do not start their Brooklyn STEAM Center class until Grade 11, they will need to ensure that they acquire sufficient credits to be able to split their day between us and their home high school. Check out the timeline for recommended steps in each grade level to prepare for the program.
Beyond that, the Brooklyn STEAM Center does NOT have any additional screening criteria for admitting scholars. We believe in student choice, driven by agency and interest, for admitting scholars.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Brooklyn STEAM Center programs occur?
The Brooklyn STEAM Center programs occur during the regular school day, in the morning for Year 2 scholars and in the afternoon for Year 1 scholars. We operate the same days as the partner high school, offering instruction five days a week for 2.5 hours each day.
Wait a second, you said that students will be splitting their day, what does that mean?
The Brooklyn STEAM Center is located on the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which is geographically separate from all of our partner high schools. Scholars in our program spend half of their school day with us and the other half at their home high school. We provide complimentary yellow bus shuttles during the middle of the day for scholars to travel between the two locations to ensure punctuality and avoid the harsh weather.
How does this impact my high school graduation requirements?
Our CTE Programs actually enable scholars to reduce their required 6 credits of LOTE (Language Other Than English) to 2 credits. In addition, we provide 13 elective credits (five more than required) on a scholars transcript that will heighten their GPA and stand out to colleges. In addition, we offer a bonus credit course for our internship program. Furthermore, scholars qualify for advanced annotations on their high school diploma for successful completion of our program.
This sounds great, but how much does it cost?
The Brooklyn STEAM Center is operated by the New York City Department of Education, therefore as a public school there is NO cost for scholars to attend. We cover the cost of all equipment, supplies, and fees.
How can I find out more about the Brooklyn STEAM Center?
A typical first step is to speak to your school's counselor. Scholars accepted into the cohort will be able to visit the Brooklyn STEAM Center, once in Grade 9 and again in Grade 10, for specific guided tours. In addition, we offer exploratory opportunities for potential applicants to 'try-it-on' with our instructors during Grade 10. We also conduct a Brooklyn Navy Yard tour to meet our business partners in Grade 9. Private tours are available upon request.
Do I need to be a certain "type" of student to be accepted?
No. We accept students from all eight of our partner schools in an unbiased manner. We do not screen based on grades, demographics, special education or language proficiency status. If you have concerns about a specific scholar limitation and being able to participate please let us know, we believe that anyone can learn!
Can Grade 11/12 students apply to the Brooklyn STEAM Center?
Usually, the answer to this question would be "No". However with proper advocacy and support from the partner high school there may be opportunities for scholars to enter as a Year 2 student based on availability.
Beyond the coursework, what else does the Brooklyn STEAM Center provide?
Scholars are eligible for paid internships with one of our industry partners, prior learning credits and/or priority admission with our partner colleges, access to free testing for industry recognized credentials, and a supportive community that is built around working with our scholars for their future.
How/When do I decide which CTE pathway I want to study? Can I choose more than one?
You will rank all of the CTE Programs on the supplemental application that you will complete near the end of Grade 10. Scholars typically attain their first choice. Unfortunately, our programs are designed for two full years of instruction, which means you can only enroll in one program.
How will I know that I was accepted? Is there an orientation?
The scholar, identified parent/guardian, and the respective school counselor will receive an email notification that you have been accepted that will also identify the appropriate CTE program that you can either accept or decline. Accepted scholars and their families will be invited to an orientation.
What should I do if I have any questions or concerns?
We have two recommendations, speak to your home high school counselor and/or email our admissions director.
Admissions Director
Damiano Mastrandrea | DMastrandrea@BrooklynSTEAMcenter.org