SisterSMATR lives at the intersection of arts and technology to create opportunities for young women of color to take STEAM to the next level. Our unique approach leverages music and art to engage young women in robotics and other technology. We focus on supporting those attending schools with limited arts and technology instruction to provide opportunities to experience cutting edge technology, coupled with dynamic forms of cultural production, intended to inspire and prepare them for a brighter future.

 Working closely with the Robert Wagner High School, SisterSMATR launched its first after school pilot program, “The Fab Lab” at the Long Island City YMCA. Nine girls, aged 13 to 16, received a planned sequence of instruction twice a week for eight weeks, gaining exposure to animation, sound, robotics, graphic design, film/video and coding.  Field trips included visits to a major technology company and film studios where they worked directly with seasoned professionals working across a range of disciplines. Participants applied their learning by creating short presentations about themselves and/or their community.  These young women, supported by SisterSMATR mentors, received direct experience of arts and technology as a powerful vehicle for cultural expression.