Global STEM Alliance Summit 2020

Date: Monday, July 20th- Wednesday, July 22nd 2020

Location: The New York Academy of Sciences

A detailed agenda will be released soon. 

Tips for Financing your Travel to the GSA Summit

Congratulations on your involvement in Global STEM Alliance of the New York Academy of Sciences! We are thrilled you are considering joining us at the annual GSA Summit!

You should be proud that your hard work, persistence, and devotion have earned you this recognition.

We understand that fundraising might be a necessary part of your journey to the GSA Summit – not only because it will assist you in paying for part or all of your trip, but because it will help you develop a wide array of life skills, such as goal setting, planning, following through, and communicating. It will also give you an opportunity to build social and leadership skills. Although fundraising may seem daunting, it can be fun and rewarding. You CAN do this!

This guide is full of helpful tips and detailed ideas to assist you on your fundraising journey.

Consider raising money in your community. This is a wonderful way to pay for your tuition and trip that has been successfully used by other students in the GSA. Here’s how you do it:

Planning:

The first step is to figure out your financial situation.

Ask yourself these questions:

• How much money will I need for the Summit, transportation, and personal spending?
• How much money do I have?
• How much money is my family willing to contribute?
• How much money will I need to raise?
• How much time do I have to raise the money I need?
  

The second step is to brainstorm fundraising ideas. Remember, people like to help other people. You are giving others the opportunity to be a part of something beyond them, so reach out to every person you can think of.

Possible Fundraising Ideas:

• Spread the word through social media: Use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest, or even create a website of your own.
  
  
• Set up an online fundraising site. GoFundMe.com is an easy and convenient way to raise money for your tuition and trip.
  
  
• Make a flyer, brochure, or bookmark to give to family, friends, and other possible contributors. Include your picture, why you want to attend the GSA Summit, and how much money you need to raise. You can also suggest incremental donation amounts, such as $20, $50, or $100, because people often would rather choose from a list of options.
  
  
• Connect with your teachers and school administrators, they may be able to help you with the fundraising.
  
  
• Connect with your local government agencies and organizations. They may be able to help you secure travel grants or other assistance.
  
  
• Think of people at any local businesses or religious establishments that you and your family have connections to. Go see them in person and ask them to contribute.
  
  
• Consider ways to raise money through bake sales, car washes, or more!
  
  
• Ask family, friends, and neighbors to donate items they no longer use and hold a yard sale.

Need an invitation letter from the Academy?

As a GSA student, we can provide you with a signed letter detailing your invitation to the summit! Email your program manager for more information.

When You Start Raising Money:

• Once you begin collecting money, it is critical that you keep accurate and complete records.
  
  
• Keep originals of all distributed materials.
  
  
• Keep a record of names, addresses, and donations. Consider creating a Word or Excel file to help keep you organized.
  
  
• Consider asking your parents to help you open a bank account designated specifically for saving raised funds.

At the End:

Be sure to write thank-you notes to all your donors – whether family, friends, neighbors, or strangers. A simple, handwritten note has greater impact than you would expect. It symbolizes your appreciation of the individual who took the time to listen to you and help you achieve your goal by donating. Showing gratitude is an essential part of your fundraising process, and it is also important to practice in your everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the summit?

July 20th- 22nd, 2020

Who can attend?

Participation in the summit is by invitation only. The list of invitees includes GSA Students, Mentors, and representatives from the leading science and technology organizations that sponsor GSA programs.

What kind of programming will be offered at the Summit?

Summit participants will participate in a series of engaging workshops, panel discussions, and other activities focused on STEM skills, career opportunities, and  building a cross-cultural community of future STEM leaders. A detailed agenda is in the works, so keep your eye on this page…

What are the goals of the Summit?

The annual GSA Summit is designed to foster network creation and future collaboration by bringing mentees, mentors, and other GSA stakeholders together, and providing them with access to world class scientists and role models.

What will students get out of this event?

At the summit, students will:

• Develop skills related to cross-cultural communication;
• Network amongst peers, mentors, and professionals from leading STEM organizations;
• Gain exposure to career paths
• Work collaboratively to promote team building;
• Showcase their progress and accomplishments in their respective programs.

Will there be supervision?

New York Academy of Sciences’ staff will be present for the duration of the Summit and Summit-related field trips. Supervision will not be provided outside of Summit programming.

What is the dress code for this event?

The dress code for this event is business casual.

Do I have to pay to attend?

This is a free event. All attendees will be expected to cover the cost of their own travel and accommodations with the exception of 1000 Girls, 1000 futures/STEM U mentoring Mentee of the Month winners and Junior Academy challenge winners.

When will the Junior Academy Challenge winners be announced?

Winners for Fall Challenges will be announced in March. Winners for Spring Challenges will be notified in early June 20 2020.

What if I am a Junior Academy Challenge winner and I already purchased my travel?

Junior Academy challenge winners will be reimbursed for up to $2,000 USD for travel expenses incurred for the student and chaperone’s economy class flights. Personal accommodations bookings will not be reimbursed, room and board will be provided by the New York Academy of Sciences.

Should I travel with a parent/guardian?

Students staying in the hotel are required to have a chaperone with them.

Can my chaperone attend the Summit?

Chaperones will be invited to attend the Summit for certain events. More details will be provided as the agenda is finalized.

Will transportation be provided?

Transportation will be provided to Summit-related field trips, and all groups will depart together from the New York Academy Sciences headquarters. Students with alternative accommodations or traveling from home will be responsible for their own transportation to Academy headquarters.

How long should I expect to stay in New York City?

The Summit is a three-day event, and you will need to allow for travel time at the beginning and end of that period. A detailed agenda is in the works and will be posted shortly.

Who else will be at this event?

All high school-age students in the GSA programs (STEM U mentoring, 1000 Girls, 1000 Futures, The Junior Academy, Scientist in Residence, and Afterschool STEM Mentoring) are invited to this event. Mentors from all programs, as well as some GSA partners and funders will also be in attendance.

How much spending money will I need?

All activities and meals during Summit programming are included. Students should have spending money for any meals and activities they wish to partake in outside of the Academy, or after the end of summit programming.

For any questions not answered on this page, please contact your program manager.

Who can I contact for more information?

For 1000 Girls, 1000 Futures, please email 1000girls1000futures@nyas.org, and for The Junior Academy, please email thejunioracademy@nyas.org

Sponsorship Opportunities

We are excited to announce the launch of our 4th annual Global STEM Alliance Summit at the New York Academy of Sciences!

From July 20th-22nd, 2020, over 200 of the most promising Young Members of the Academy—a  cohort representing over 50 countries—will gather at the Academy’s headquarters in New York City. Participating students have all successfully completed a Global STEM Alliance mentoring program, and many of them will be meeting their mentors face-to-face for the first time at the Summit. Together the students and their mentors will exchange ideas, explore career options, connect cross-culturally, and discuss the future of innovation and STEM.

By sponsoring the GSA Summit, your organization can support the next generation of STEM innovators, and demonstrate its commitment to increasing the number and diversity of students in the STEM pipeline.

To learn more about how your organization can participate, please contact:

Kaari Casey, Senior Program Manager, at kcasey@nyas.org