The Octavia Project

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The Octavia Project

We use science fiction and fantasy to get into science, tech, art and writing. Our workshops mix science, technology, art, and writing.

At the Octavia Project, we believe in the power of writing and community to dream up new realities, different worlds, and better possibilities for our lives and our communities. We use science-fiction/fantasy stories we write—and science-fiction/fantasy stories we love—to make games, inspire drawings, construct maps and models of imaginary cities, build pieces of made-up technology that have real

electronics, and a lot more! Our namesake is ground breaking science fiction author Octavia E. Butler (Kindred, Lilith's Brood). We are inspired by her visions of possible futures and commitment to social justice. We run free summer programming for young women, trans, and nonbinary youth in high school and middle school in New York City. An Octavia Project participant will finish the program armed with:

*An online multi-media portfolio of their work that can be used for college, job, or internship applications.

*Strengthened skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as well as digital-media, art, and writing.

*Access to a network of professional women and opportunities for internships in their chosen field. Interested in bolding going where you haven't gone before? Check out our website for application information!

06/05/2026

Sometimes you just need to take a break in the shade 🌞🌳

Throughout the summer, Institute participants spend time on Pratt Institute's lawn reading their Book Club books, engaging in movement activities, and enjoying the warm outdoors.

Our rolling deadline for the high school Summer Institute is quickly approaching. Join us for a summer of learning and fun: https://www.octaviaproject.org/join-the-octavia-project-summer-institute/

05/29/2026

Summer is just around the corner, and so is the start of our middle school Summer Camp 🌞👾

We're getting ready for another enriching summer of fun, learning, and community.

Join other young storytellers this July! Apply today! https://www.octaviaproject.org/join-the-octavia-project-summer-camp/

05/21/2026

🎉 More exciting grant news to share 🎉
We've received grant funding from Brooklyn Org to support our growing programs for young women and trans and nonbinary youth

Brooklyn Org's multi-year award will allow us to grow our programs in a way that is both sustainable and responsive to the growing needs of our communities.

Brooklyn Org is a champion for Brooklyn, bringing together community changemakers to be a new model for local philanthropy, built from the ground up, in pursuit of a more equitable and just borough. Since its founding in 2009, Brooklyn Org has moved over $130 million to nonprofits through its strategic grantmaking and Donor Advised Funds, while driving action to address urgent crises and long-term change in Brooklyn. Learn more at brooklyn.org.

05/14/2026

🎉 We're thrilled to share that we've received funding from Brooklyn Arts Council to support our high school Summer Institute 🎉

Brooklyn Arts Council has been a long time supporter of our work, and their Local Arts Support award recognizes us as part of a broader ecosystem of arts organizations in Brooklyn focusing on community engagement.

With this grant, the Octavia Project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the New York State Legislature and administered by Brooklyn Arts Council .

05/08/2026

Are you a first-time coder? 💻👾

Many participants join our programs without having done any computer programing in or out of school. Whether they are new or experienced programmers, our coding curriculum centers creative expression to develop programming skills and confidence among young people!

04/30/2026

Looking to make art, create new stories, and learn how to code in a fun community?

We’re currently accepting applications for our high school Summer Institute and middle school Summer Camp!

Apply now: https://www.octaviaproject.org/join/

Summer Institute Rolling Deadline: May 15
Summer Camp Rolling Deadline: June 1

04/18/2026

Last week, we launched out first Spring Studio Lab at Brooklyn Museum 🎉

Over five days, middle school aged young women and trans and nonbinary youth engaged in hands-on workshops investigating light, practicing world building, and programming digital images. Our interdisciplinary programs combine the power of speculative fiction and personal connection to build community and confidence in STEM.

04/06/2026

🎉Thank you for answering the call and amplifying voices of the future✨

Together, our community surpassed our fundraising goal, raising $66,191!

Through your donations and support, you have shown your commitment to the young creators who are building the future every day.
Your generosity empowers:
💻 first time coders to build confidence in emerging technology,
🎨 young writers and artists to map out creative careers
🏙️ aspiring urban planners and architects to transform the spaces around them

As we expand our programs and make critical interventions in our current moment, thank you for your continued support!

03/31/2026

We only have one more day to raise $50K for our free programs—and it’s our biggest match day ever! For the next 24 hours, two generous donors, Jeffrey C. and Tyler H., will match every dollar raised up to $6K.

We’re still short of our goal. Can you double your impact to make sure we reach it?

Donate now! https://f.mtr.cool/glzqlmlbwu

03/27/2026

🪻Flowers are coming into bloom, and so is our new Spring Studio Lab🌷

In a about a week, we will be launching our Spring Studio Lab at Brooklyn Museum!

📸 How do we document transformation in our communities?
🌱 Who has access to nature in urban spaces and why?
✍️ How does storytelling shape the world around us?

Our free spring break program for young women and trans and nonbinary youth in grades 6-8, hosted by Brooklyn Museum, will investigate the science of photography, interrogate the history of green spaces in New York, and explore storytelling through artworks, artifacts, and speculative fiction.

We can't wait to share more about this new program soon!

Address

New York, NY
11238

Website

http://octaviaproject.org/

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