‘Pop-Up University’ Brings Free Outdoor Classes To Prospect Park

PROSPECT PARK, BROOKLYN — Ever wanted to learn more about cybersecurity? Or discuss economics with a journalist from Pakistan? Maybe an introduction to high-speed video?

This week, a collaboration between the Brooklyn Public Library and the Prospect Park Alliance brings all these subjects — and more — to a “pop-up university,” right in Brooklyn’s Backyard, all free of charge.

The program, called University Open Air, features experts and professors from around the world who bring their knowledge to the green grass outside of the Prospect Park Boathouse for all curious New Yorkers to learn from a wide array of topics, ranging from art to science and even proposal writing.

Courses take place outdoors on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and run until Sept. 18. All of the courses are free to the public and registration is not required.

“With instructors from around the world, we invite the community to explore new perspectives and ideas—from literature to art and science—in beautiful Prospect Park amid nature and one another, far from the screens which have occupied our attention for the last few years,” said László Jakab Orsós, BPL’s Vice President of Arts and Culture.

Since the summer of 2019, University Open Air has spread free knowledge to over 1000 students attending their free, immigrant-taught classes.

"As a gathering place for many immigrant communities, Prospect Park is the perfect backdrop for University Open Air's enriching and enlightening programming," said Maria Carrasco, Vice President of Public Programs at Prospect Park Alliance.