The New York Academy of Sciences’ Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program Wins Bronze in The 5th Annual Anthem Awards

For the third year in a row, the Academy’s educational programming has been recognized by “the largest and most comprehensive social impact award.”

New York, NY | November 24, 2025 – The Anthem Awards have recognized The New York Academy of Sciences’ Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program as a Bronze Winner in the Education, Art & Culture: School/University category.

This marks the third time in as many years that the Academy’s educational programming has been recognize by The Anthem Awards, “the largest and most comprehensive social impact award.” In 2023, the Academy’s Junior Academy was named a Silver Anthem Winner for the Education or Literacy Platform category, while the Academy’s Scientist-in-Residence program garnered a Bronze Anthem Award in the Education, Art, & Culture/Community Engagement Category (Nonprofit) in 2024.

In partnership with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, the Academy recruits STEM professionals to act as mentors in the Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program (ASMP). ASMP mentors are then placed at one of our many afterschool sites around New York City.

The Education, Art & Culture: School/University category encompasses student-led initiatives or programs created at a high school, secondary school, elementary school, specialty school, technical school, college, university, or other school.

“While we continue to navigate social and political challenges and disruptions, the winners of the 5th annual Anthem Award are a reminder that when we are united in collective action, great change can happen and truly make an impact for the better,” said Patricia McLoughlin, Anthem Awards General Manager. “Join me in congratulating all the Anthem Awards winners for their continued leadership, commitment, and contributions in supporting everyday humans, and for moving society forward.”

About the Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program

The Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program deploys scientists into community based organizations and public libraries throughout NYC, with the goal of fostering a love of STEM in students grades K-8. These scientist volunteers are trained to serve as instructors, mentors, and role models, and are provided with a 10 week STEM curriculum to implement in the classroom. Through units varying from engineering to biology, students experience first-hand the joy of hands-on learning and exploration.

Through the Afterschool STEM Mentoring program, the Academy aims to increase access to high quality STEM instruction, create opportunities for students to build a STEM identity through access to diverse mentors, and provide students with authentic and meaningful STEM experiences.

ASMP has placed over 1,700 scientists into afterschool classes around NYC. Through hands-on activities, mentorship, and engaging discussions, students gain a deeper appreciation for the scientific process, its relevance to their everyday lives, and the diverse roles scientists play in society.

About The Anthem Awards

Launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards, The Anthem Awards honors the purpose & mission-driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, we’re defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities. The Anthem Awards honors work across seven core causes: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging; Education, Art & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Responsible Technology; and Sustainability, Environment & Climate.

This season’s sponsors and partners include AARP, Virgin Hotels NYC, The Bloom, The Social Innovation Summit, Sustainable Brands, NationSwell, and TheFutureParty. The Anthem Awards were founded in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, Glaad, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF, and XQ.