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Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program 

Scientists lead interactive extracurricular projects with middle schoolers and spark their passion for STEM.

Ignite Their Love for STEM!

Remember the pure curiosity of asking questions and finding new answers? Give that feeling to middle school students around New York City by conducting engaging extracurricular activities with them throughout the school year. In partnership with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), the Academy recruits STEM professionals to act as mentors in the Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program (ASMP). ASMP mentors are placed at one of our many afterschool sites around New York City. Since our launch in 2010, we have placed over 1,000 scientists into afterschool programs all over the NYC area and inspired 15,000+ students!  

Why Mentor? 

Young people who have the opportunity to meet real scientists and engineers — and who are exposed to science through active inquiry-based learning — are more likely to pursue careers in STEM. Yet many children have never met or interacted with a “real” scientist, particularly in the most underserved neighborhoods. By being students’ positive role model as a real-world scientist or engineer, you can inspire curiosity and excitement about STEM topics, and positively influence the career aspirations of young minds. 

Mentor Qualifications

  • ASMP Mentors are research fellows, undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, transitional scientists, or R&D specialists.
  • Must be passionate about inspiring youth to pursue STEM mindset, studies, and careers 
  • Must be willing to complete the program training and adhere to the mentorship schedule 
  • Must be local to the NYC area 
  • Must be prepared to complete a background check administered by the Department of Youth and Community Development (at no cost to you). 
  • Willing to complete an online compliance training, adhering to local and state policies regarding working with minors. (These are done at no cost to you.) 
  • Note that some sites may also require a health form signed by a doctor. 

Apply Today

Now recruiting for Spring 2024! 

For our spring term, mentors must commit to teaching one-hour sessions once a week, for a total of 10 sessions running from March 4 – June 14, 2024. Participating mentors receive training in STEM curriculum and youth development, and work with on-site staff to co-implement weekly sessions.

In addition to completing our online application, mentors are encouraged (but not required) to submit a letter of acknowledgement from their PI or supervising scientist stating their awareness of the once-a-week commitment. 

After School STEM Mentors receive a $500 stipend at the completion of their service and a complimentary yearlong Membership to the New York Academy of Sciences. A travel reimbursement of up to $150 is available per semester. 

Apply to be a Mentor

Spring 2024 program timeline*

  • January 16th: Applications for the Spring term close 
  • Rolling (February 3rd): Mentor Interviews & Acceptance Letters 
  • February 12th: Rolling: Mentor Orientation (Virtual) 
  • March 2nd: Scientists Curriculum Workshop (In-Person) 
  • March 4th: March 8th: ASMP Class Team Planning Week (1-hour Virtual Meeting) 
  • March 11th -15th: Spring ASMP In-Class Sessions Begin (10 Sessions Total) 
  • Mid-April: Midpoint Check-Ins (1-hour Virtual Workshop) 
  • June 14th: ASMP Spring 2024 In-Class Sessions End 
  • June 24th: Certificates and Stipends are Awarded
*Timeline subject to change

Contact Us

For more information, contact education@nyas.org.