The Effort to Improve STEM Proficiency in NYC

Academy’s summer STEM program addresses shortage of hands-on science experiences for NYC students.

Published August 28, 2014

By Diana Friedman

Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) met with Brooklyn elementary school students who participated in The New York Academy of Sciences’ summer science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program, conducted in partnership with the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development. During the visit to the YMCA Dodge Summer Camp at PS 261, Senator Gillibrand engaged with students from various Brooklyn neighborhoods in hands-on activities focused on nutrition science.

The STEM summer program—modeled on the Academy’s Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program—pairs young, professional scientists from the Academy’s extensive network of graduate and postdoctoral students with middle school students in underserved communities. The scientists teach fun, hands-on STEM activities meant to engage and inspire students, showing students that not only do they have the skills needed to pursue a future career in STEM, but that STEM is both exciting and has important real-world applications.

Senator Gillibrand is currently pushing for federal legislation to boost STEM proficiency for New York City students and to prepare students with the education they need for the jobs of the future.