The Octavia Project

Home
United States
New York, NY
The Octavia Project

Website

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!

10/08/2026

🌱 NEW PROGRAM ALERT 🌱

The Octavia Project is launching our very first afterschool workshop series, in partnership with Gowanus Canal Conservancy! 🌿

Into STEM? Art? Writing? Want to learn new skills and make new friends? Come explore conservation and urban ecology with us through hands-on projects in the Gowanus community! 🎨🔬✍🏿️

📍 Gowanus Canal Conservancy, Brooklyn
📅 Thursdays, Oct. 22–Dec. 10, 2026
🕞 3:30–5:30pm (arrival 3:15–3:30)
🎓 Grades 7–9
💸 100% FREE, snacks included! 🍎

Open to young women and trans, nonbinary, and/or gender expansive youth. Participants should be able to travel to Gowanus weekly and attend all seven weeks of the program.

You'll leave with:
✨ Hands-on conservation and urban ecology experience
✨ Stronger STEM, art, and writing skills and confidence
✨ A community of creative peers who have your back!

👉🏾 APPLY BY OCT. 18! https://f.mtr.cool/9xk50kf87m

10/01/2026

📰 We’re in the news!

We’re thrilled that Brooklyn Magazine featured the Octavia Project in their recent article, “Three Organizations Changing Brooklyn from the Inside”!

Our co-founder and co-director Meghan McNamara spoke to writer Sachin Bhola about:

✨ What inspired our STEM and arts-based curriculum

✨ The impact our programs have on NYC youth

✨ The support we receive through Brooklyn Org

✨ How you can get involved

Give the article a read here and share it with a friend! https://f.mtr.cool/2jcuz4ownz

09/24/2026

Autumn is in the air, but you can revisit memories from this summer at the OP any time! Here's how:

☀️ Check out our 2026 Summer Showcase photo album
☀️ Play narrative Twine games coded by our participants
☀️ Browse our blog for write-ups on field trips, guest teacher visits, and more!

Links in comments ⬇️

09/17/2026

🎊 Together, we exceeded our goal, raising over $7K 🥳

Thanks to your support we can continue creating new programs and pathways for young leaders! We can't wait to share about our new STEM and arts-centered after school program, and to continue deepening leadership opportunities for our alumni.

09/10/2026

Our Institute Fellows came together in early July to get ready to welcome their peers. They shared their personal goals with each other and ways to build our community throughout the summer.

As part of their orientation, Fellows created this year's banner, where all participants sign and agree to the community agreements they collectively set. This summer's theme: ☄️space soup🍜 — a speculative melting pot of everyone's creativity and humor.

As participants start the 2026-27 school, they bring their summer learnings with them to their school communities.

09/08/2026

⏰ 2 days to go! ⏰

More school-year programming. More chances for alumni to connect. More ways for young women and trans and nonbinary youth to build the skills, networks, and confidence to achieve their dreams.

These are all things that our community has been asking for, and we’re committed to delivering them. But we need your help.

Will you help us raise $6K by 9/10 to make these plans a reality? We’ve raised over $4,500 so far, and your gift—whether it’s $10, $25, or $50—gets us closer to the finish line.

Donate now! https://f.mtr.cool/rj6u3pbgqj

09/03/2026

What is the scientific method to a world builder?🧪🤓

Camp participants employed the scientific method to learn more about water. They drew hypotheses, made observations, and interpreted results on two experiments —one on the density of various liquids and the other on taste of tap and bottled water. Creatively, they developed strategies for sharing their findings, and they raised questions for further experimentation.

Understanding the world around us gives us the tools to build a more equitable world.

09/01/2026

We need to raise $6K by 9/10 to expand our STEM and arts-centered programs for young women and trans and nonbinary youth in NYC.

But we’re still short of our goal.

Can you help us close the gap?

Your gift—whether it’s $5, $10, $50, or more—funds initiatives like our new afterschool program and mentorship opportunities for alumni.

With only 10 days left, we need your support to reach our goal. Make a gift now! https://f.mtr.cool/qlsxtnohow

08/28/2026

Throughout the summer, Institute participants code narrative games that combine aspects of our multidisciplinary workshops. Each game uniquely integrates their personal interests with new ideas, building worlds that are at times magical 🔮, dark 😱 , or humorous 🤣 (and sometimes all three!).

Whether you're looking for a jaunt or a long adventure, their stories will have you guessing what happens next. You can play their games here: https://f.mtr.cool/bmqkrsbim4

08/25/2026

✨ Help us create new pathways for alumni! ✨

We’re dedicated to providing our alums with opportunities for mentorship, skills-building, and community connection. Our alumni initiatives include:

🟣 Our Youth Advisory Board: The YAB includes alums from across our 10+ years of programming who help shape our school-year programs, organize networking events, and develop career resources for alumni.

🟣 Constellations: This mentorship program pairs professionally published authors from the Brooklyn Speculative Fiction Writers with OP alumni. Mentees receive 1-on-1 feedback on their writing while working with mentors to refine a single piece of fiction with the end goal of publication.

🟣 Teaching Fellowships: Our Teaching Fellows receive trainings and paid positions in our summer programs, where they assist Lead Teachers, design and facilitate workshops, and increase their experience as educators.

To expand what we can offer alums, we need to raise $6K by 9/10. We’re over halfway to our goal—can you help us reach it?

Donate now! https://f.mtr.cool/qb8w8y9dm3

Address

New York, NY
11238

Website

http://octaviaproject.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Octavia Project posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.