December Youth STEM Opportunities: Your 2025 Tech Calendar for Brooklyn and Northern NJ

For families trying to keep kids inspired (and off endless scroll) as the year winds down, December youth STEM opportunities are pure gold. This year, Brooklyn and Northern New Jersey are quietly stacking one of the most powerful winter tech lineups we’ve seen yet—free teen “third spaces,” STEM museum adventures, community makerspaces, and even a new digital math platform launching mid-month.

This isn’t just another list of events.
It’s a December tech calendar designed for Black and Brown families who want their kids to feel at home in tech spaces—not like visitors.

From Brooklyn Public Library’s Teen Tech Centers to Newark’s Zine Fest, from Liberty Science Center’s Holiday Adventure to the launch of Math Pathways on December 15, these December youth STEM opportunities are building skills, confidence, and community.

Date	Time	Event	Location	Notes
Mon, Dec 1	11:30 AM	Computer Basics	BPL New Utrecht (1743 86th St)	Digital skills for adults/parents
	2:00 PM	Intro to Cricut Makers	BPL Macon (361 Lewis Ave)	Creative tech + design
	2:00 PM	Excel Basics	BPL Stone Ave (581 Mother Gaston Blvd)	Workforce readiness
	3:30 PM	Teen Tech Time	BPL Arlington (203 Arlington Ave)	Gaming + open tech
Tue, Dec 2	1:00 PM	Neighborhood Tech Help	BPL (multiple branches)	Drop-in device support
	4:00 PM	Teen Tech Time	BPL Brower Park & McKinley Park	Teen tech hangout
Wed, Dec 3	11:00 AM	Computer Basics	BPL Crown Heights Teen Tech Center	Adult refreshers
	12:30 PM	Smash Bros Tournament	BPL Clarendon (2035 Nostrand Ave)	Gaming + community
	4:00 PM	Teen Tech Time	BPL Central Library	Open lab + tech exploration
Thu, Dec 4	4:00 PM	Teen Tech Time	BPL Marcy, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights	Teen creative lab
	8:30 AM	BioNJ Inspiring STEM Conference	Plainsboro, NJ (Genmab)	Older youth/early-career
Sat, Dec 6	11:00 AM–4:00 PM	Newark Zine Fest	Newark Museum of Art	Digital art + indie publishing
	11:00 AM	Shape, Rattle & Roll	Newark Museum of Art	Early childhood STEM
Sat, Dec 13	1:00 PM–4:00 PM	Celebramos Juntos la Navidad	Newark Public Library (Main)	Family event + digital resources
	12:00 PM–5:00 PM	Winter Wonderland Community Day	Newark Museum of Art	MakerSpace STEM
Mon–Fri	2:00–5:30 PM	Teen Tech Centers	BPL Crown Heights / Bay Ridge	Free recording studios, 3D printing, coding
All Month	Ongoing	Holiday Adventure	Liberty Science Center (Jersey City)	Planetarium + science experiences
All Month	M/W 5–7 PM & Sat 12–3 PM	Digital Access Food Hub Hours	East Ward Community Food Hub	SNAP tech support + data programs
Dec 15	All Day	Math Pathways Launch	Online	New digital math platform for families
Dec 1 Deadline	—	FREE STEM Fund Grants	Online submission	For orgs supporting women/nonbinary in STEM
Jan 4 Deadline	—	Marcy Lab School Apps	Online	Software Engineering + Data Fellowships
Feb 3 (Lookahead)	—	Bed-Stuy Free Tax Prep Opens	Bed-Stuy Restoration	Financial prep for STEM families

Why December Youth STEM Opportunities Matter Right Now

December can go one of two ways for young people:

bored at home, glued to phones and chaos
or plugged into creative, future-focused spaces that treat them like builders, not problems

For working parents and caregivers—especially in Black and Brown communities—December youth STEM opportunities are not just enrichment. They’re:

safe third spaces when school is out early
free or low-cost access points to code, design, robotics, and digital arts
chances to explore careers before college debt enters the chat
ways to show kids: “People like you belong in tech.”

Older generations see something else too: a chance to give their kids what they never had—hands-on access to technology, mentors, and networks that can change life trajectories.

This December tech calendar is about more than dates. It’s about direction.

Brooklyn: Third Spaces, Teen Tech, and Workforce Skills in the Library

Brooklyn has quietly built one of the strongest public-library-based tech ecosystems in the country. Through programs like TechKnowledge and multiple Teen Tech Centers, Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) offers everything from beginner computer skills to advanced multimedia production for local teens and families. (bklynlibrary.org)

This month, the December tech calendar in Brooklyn leans heavily into:

Third spaces for teens
Workforce prep for adults and older youth
Hands-on creative tech (design, gaming, and making)

Early Week: Computer Basics and Digital Confidence

On Monday, December 1, BPL branches like New Utrecht, Stone Avenue, and others kick things off with foundational tech skills:

Computer Basics (New Utrecht) – Perfect for parents, grandparents, or anyone who wants to finally get comfortable with the keyboard, mouse, or trackpad.
Microsoft Excel Basics (Stone Avenue) – A direct pipeline to job readiness, especially for office, admin, nonprofit, and small business roles.

These classes quietly close the gap between “I’m not a computer person” and “I can apply for jobs, manage budgets, and support my kids online.”

When adults build digital confidence, kids notice.

Creative Tech: Cricut, Design, and Holiday Makers

Also on December 1, Intro to Cricut Makers at Macon turns tech into something tactile and joyful. Teens and parents can learn how to use digital cutting machines to create holiday cards, stickers, custom T-shirts, or even small side-hustle products.

For youth, this is more than crafting. It’s:

graphic design
product thinking
entrepreneurship training in disguise

Teen Tech Time: Gaming, Social Connection, and Low-Pressure Tech

Throughout the week, you’ll see Teen Tech Time popping up across branches: Arlington, Brower Park, McKinley Park, Central, Marcy, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, and more.

These drop-in sessions usually include:

console gaming (Smash Bros, NBA 2K, etc.)
open access to lab computers and devices
casual, low-pressure environments where teens can just be

This may not look like STEM at first glance. But in reality:

kids build digital literacy navigating systems, networks, and settings
they meet staff who can later guide them into coding or design workshops
they find peers who share similar interests in tech and gaming

For a lot of Black and Brown youth, Teen Tech Time is the on-ramp to more “serious” opportunities like coding bootcamps, internships, or design portfolios.

Teen Tech Centers: Everyday December Youth STEM Opportunities

BPL’s Teen Tech Centers (like the one at Crown Heights) serve as daily anchors. These spaces give teens access to:

recording studios
3D printers
graphic design software
web and game design tools
robotics kits

Open most weekdays from about 2:00–5:30 PM, they form the backbone of Brooklyn’s December youth STEM opportunities, especially for ages 13–18 who need a safe, creative space after school.

Northern New Jersey: Museums, STEM Festivals, and Community Data

Across the river, Northern New Jersey’s December tech calendar is just as packed—especially for families in and around Newark.

Here, the energy leans toward:

science museum experiences
independent publishing and design
early childhood STEM
community data and digital access

Dec 4 – BioNJ Inspiring STEM Conference (Plainsboro)

On Thursday, December 4, older students (college or near-college) and young professionals can tap into the broader NJ biotech and pharma ecosystem at BioNJ’s Inspiring STEM Conference in Plainsboro.

This is an ideal December youth STEM opportunity for:

students considering careers in pharma, biotech, or life sciences
young adults looking to learn how to network professionally
early-career professionals ready to build connections in NJ’s STEM industry

Dec 6 – Newark Zine Fest: STEM Meets Storytelling

On Saturday, December 6, the Newark Zine Fest takes over the Newark Museum of Art (49 Washington St.) from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. (newarkmuseumart.org)

While this might sound more artsy than STEM at first, think again:

zines require layout design, printing workflows, and digital tools
teens often combine art with social issues, science, gaming, or tech culture
the event exposes youth to independent publishing, branding, and media literacy

For teens into graphic design, manga, online fan culture, or activism, Newark Zine Fest is basically a live lab.

Early Childhood STEM: Shape, Rattle & Roll

That same day, Creative Play: Shape, Rattle & Roll at the Newark Museum of Art introduces smaller children to early STEM concepts:

shapes = geometry
rattles and movement = physics basics
cause and effect = early scientific thinking

Younger siblings get a STEM moment too, setting a foundation that older youth can build on later.

Holiday Community Days and Makerspaces

On Saturday, December 13, two big Newark events offer family-friendly entry points into science and creativity:

Celebramos Juntos la Navidad (Newark Public Library) – A community holiday gathering that often includes digital literacy resources for Spanish-speaking families.
Community Day: Winter Wonderland (Newark Museum of Art) – Look for the MakerSpace activities that typically run during large museum days, where kids can tinker, build, and explore hands-on STEM.

All Month – Liberty Science Center’s Holiday Adventure

From late November through early January, Liberty Science Center (Jersey City) runs its Holiday Adventure experience, featuring: (lsc.org)

the “Sock Skating Rink”
planetarium shows in one of the largest domes in the country
seasonal labs and science shows

For families in Newark and North Jersey, this is one of the most accessible all-December youth STEM opportunities on the calendar: big spectacle, real science, and a quick PATH ride away.

East Ward Community Food Hub: Tech + Food Justice

All month, the East Ward Community Food Hub continues its Mon/Wed/Sat operations, with a new digital edge. Organizers are increasingly using data tools to:

track food insecurity in real time
link SNAP access to digital programs
advocate for better infrastructure with hard numbers

For teens interested in data, civic tech, or public health, the Hub is a powerful example of STEM applied to real community survival.

Dec 15 – Math Pathways Launch: A New Digital Tool for Black and Brown Students

Add one more major date to your December tech calendar:
December 15 – the official launch of Math Pathways.

Math Pathways is a new digital platform designed to help students—especially Black and Brown youth—build confidence and proficiency in math through:

accessible explanations
problem walk-throughs
real-world applications
resources families can use at home

This platform and team gamifies math, demystifies math by showing its use in our daily lives, and preparing learners for career paths and tests. This launch sits right at the intersection of December youth STEM opportunities and long-term academic equity. It gives:

students a way to brush up before midterms and state tests
parents a tool to support homework without feeling lost
educators and mentors a resource to share with entire cohorts

Whether your family is in Brooklyn, Newark, Jersey City, or beyond, Math Pathways turns December 15 into a “save this link” moment for the whole community. Visit mathpathways.net to join a free session or speak with a coach!

Deadlines & Look-Ahead Opportunities: Marcy Lab, FREE STEM Fund, and Tax Prep

Some of December’s most important youth STEM opportunities aren’t single-day events—they’re deadlines.

Jan 4, 2026 – The Marcy Lab School (Brooklyn)

For young adults (18–24) who are ready for a serious tech pathway without four years of college debt, The Marcy Lab School is a game-changer. (The Marcy Lab School)

Their Software Engineering & Data Analytics Fellowships:

last one year
are tuition-free
are designed to launch fellows directly into tech careers

Application Deadline: January 4, 2026 for the Fall 2026 cohort. This should absolutely be circled, highlighted, and stuck on the fridge for any teen aging out of high school or community college.

Dec 1, 2025 – FREE STEM Fund (Women & Non-binary)

For nonprofits and community groups, December 1 is the grant deadline for the FREE STEM Fund, which supports programs uplifting women and non-binary people in STEM.

This is how new robotics clubs, makerspaces, girls-in-tech programs, and coding cohorts get funded. When orgs secure this kind of backing, future December youth STEM opportunities multiply.

Feb 3, 2026 – Bed-Stuy Restoration Free Tax Prep

It’s not a December event, but February 3 marks the start of Bed-Stuy Restoration’s free tax prep services. For low- and middle-income families, getting taxes done early and correctly can mean:

bigger, faster refunds
less stress heading into spring
money available for summer programs, laptops, and other STEM-related investments

Treat this as a financial infrastructure date in your extended tech calendar.

Short-Term and Long-Term Impact on the Community

Short-term, this December tech calendar gives:

safe hangout spaces for teens after school
hands-on exposure to STEM, design, gaming, and data
affordable, accessible family outings with educational value

Long-term, it seeds:

tech literacy in parents and caregivers
early STEM identity in children
pipelines into serious opportunities like Marcy Lab, internships, and scholarships
a culture where “tech” doesn’t mean “somewhere else”

For Black and Brown communities in Brooklyn and Northern NJ, December youth STEM opportunities are not just extracurricular. They’re infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

December is packed with youth STEM opportunities across Brooklyn and Northern NJ.
Libraries, museums, and community hubs are acting as grassroots innovation centers.
The Math Pathways launch on December 15 adds a crucial digital tool for math success.
Events like Newark Zine Fest and Liberty Science Center’s Holiday Adventure show that STEM can look like culture, art, and joy—not just tests.
Deadlines (FREE STEM Fund, Marcy Lab School, tax prep) are part of the same ecosystem of opportunity.

Call to Action – How Families Can Use This December Tech Calendar

Here are a few practical ways to make this December tech calendar work for your family:

Pick one Brooklyn library event and one Newark/NJ event to attend as a family.
Bookmark Math Pathways on December 15 and set a reminder to explore it together.
If you’re 18–24, or know someone who is, start your Marcy Lab School application now.
Ask your local school, church, or community organization if they’re applying for FREE STEM Fund grants—and share this info.

December doesn’t have to be a slow slide into the new year.
It can be the month your family steps further into the future.

HfYC POLL of the Day

Which December youth STEM opportunity are you most likely to show up for: library tech labs, museum STEM days, holiday science adventures, or online tools like Math Pathways?

Alternate Perspectives:

Does a December tech calendar like this make it easier for your family to plug into youth STEM opportunities—or does it still feel overwhelming?
What would help your kids more right now: in-person STEM events or digital tools like Math Pathways they can use at home?
Be honest: are you more likely to take your kids to a free library tech program, a museum STEM day, or nowhere at all this December?

RANK MATH SEO FIELDS

Focus Keyword: December youth STEM opportunities

SEO Title: December Youth STEM Opportunities: Brooklyn & NJ Tech Calendar

Meta Description: Discover December youth STEM opportunities in Brooklyn and Northern NJ—from library tech labs to museum STEM days and the Math Pathways launch on Dec 15.

Slug: december-youth-stem-opportunities-tech-calendar

Additional SEO Keywords:
December youth STEM opportunities, December tech calendar, Brooklyn tech events, Newark STEM events, teen tech centers, Newark Zine Fest, Liberty Science Center Holiday Adventure, Math Pathways launch, Marcy Lab School deadline

IMAGE PROMPTS FOR GEMINI

Feature Image

Filename: december-youth-stem-opportunities-calendar.jpg
Alt Text: December youth STEM opportunities tech calendar for Brooklyn and Newark families

Prompt:
“A cinematic editorial-style image of Black and Brown students in a computer lab and makerspace, with a calendar overlay showing December dates, representing December youth STEM opportunities in Brooklyn and Newark. The scene should feel vibrant and hopeful, with details like laptops, 3D printers, and notebooks on tables. Composition: wide shot. Lighting: bright, natural indoor light. Quality: high-resolution, editorial.”

Supporting Image 1 – Brooklyn Library Tech

Filename: brooklyn-library-teen-tech-center-december-stem.jpg
Alt Text: December youth STEM opportunities at Brooklyn library teen tech center

Prompt:
“A photo-realistic image of teens at a Brooklyn public library Teen Tech Center, playing games and working on computers in a cozy, modern space. The scene should feel welcoming and community-centered, with details like gaming controllers, headphones, and a librarian assisting a student. Composition: mid-shot. Lighting: warm indoor light. Quality: ultra HD.”

Supporting Image 2 – Newark & NJ STEM Adventures

Filename: newark-nj-december-stem-events-holiday-adventure.jpg
Alt Text: December youth STEM opportunities at Newark Zine Fest and Liberty Science Center Holiday Adventure

Prompt:
“A vibrant editorial image showing a split-scene: on one side, teens browsing zines and art at a museum table; on the other, a family enjoying a science exhibit at Liberty Science Center’s Holiday Adventure. The scene should feel festive and educational, with details like zine displays, science demos, and winter decor. Composition: split-scene. Lighting: bright and cheerful. Quality: high-resolution, cinematic.”