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New York STEM City

Welcome to New York STEM City!

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 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). And New York City needs more scientists and engineers! Today the city is poised to become the world’s leading market for STEM jobs, and yet many of our children have never met or interacted with a “real” scientist, particularly in our most underserved neighborhoods. That’s why the New York Academy of Sciences is embarking on an unprecedented effort to put a scientist in every underserved public middle school across all five boroughs of New York City. And we need your help! To learn how you or your organization can participate, contact us today.

Student at work
Happy students

The Fundamentals are in Place

In 2010 the Academy partnered with New York City’s Department of Youth and Community Development to launch the Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program (ASMP), an initiative to grow STEM literacy among middle school children in underserved neighborhoods. ASMP trains young scientists and engineers to act as instructors, mentors, and role models, and places them in afterschool sites around New York and New Jersey.


“The program really helped me to view learning from the students’ perspective. It also helped my understanding of how they think and develop as people.”

-Scientist Participant, SiR


Building on this early success, in 2014 we added the Scientist-in-Residence (SiR) program, which pairs scientists with public school teachers to develop inquiry-based research projects for the classroom. By building partnerships between teachers and scientists, this innovative program not only provides students the opportunity to engage in authentic, hands-on research, it also gives teachers the critical support they need to bring scientific inquiry to life in the classroom.

Both ASMP and SiR further extend their impact through Family Science Nights, which are held at schools or local community-based organizations in each of the five boroughs. These interactive events engage students and families in fun activities designed to help parents feel more comfortable with STEM content. Importantly, these events also allow the students to become the experts and to think of themselves as scientists.

Two young women working on project
Smiling student

“The scientist was wonderful — helpful, engaged, interested in my students and pedagogy … I want to participate again!”

-Teacher Participant, SiR


The combined impact of these programs has been tremendous. Since the original launch of ASMP in 2010, we have:

  • Trained and placed over 1,000 scientists
  • Engaged more than 13,000 students from underserved primary and middle schools
  • Delivered 132,000 learning hours of engaging STEM content in locations across New York and New Jersey

Now Let’s Take it to the Next Level!

Today — with the generous support of our sponsors — we are able to train and place scientists in 40 public schools annually, in some of the most underserved neighborhoods in the city. But we can do better! Our goal is to turn NYC into STEM City by putting a scientist in every underserved public middle school across all five boroughs within the next five years. To find out how you can help, contact us today.


Our goal is to turn NYC into STEM City, by putting a scientist in every underserved middle school across the five boroughs!


Students for Green Machine
New York STEM City
New York STEM City

Scientist-in-Residence

Young people who are exposed to science through active inquiry-based learning are more likely to pursue STEM careers. And one of the most effective ways to engage students in this type of learning is to give them the opportunity to conduct authentic scientific research with a real scientist!

A Partnership Between Teachers and Scientists

The Scientist-in-Residence (SiR) program matches scientists—including graduate students, postdocs, and professionals—with New York City public school teachers to bring scientific inquiry to life in the classroom. With their sharing of knowledge and experience in teaching and science, each scientist-teacher pair scopes out and leads a year-long STEM project that prepares students to engage in independent research and spark their interest in STEM learning. Scientists serve as role models and experts on the scientific methods, project design, and literature review while teachers tailor the projects to fit learning standards with knowledge of pedagogy and lesson development. Scientist-in-Residence aims to enhance scientist’s pedagogical skills and create a unique opportunity to explore teaching as a potential career as well as to expand teachers’ STEM content and their capacity to implement related projects, and eventually elevate students’ interest and ability to engage in STEM.

For more information about how you can participate in or support SiR, please contact Program Manager, Adrienne Umali at aumali@nyas.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

+ Why should I become a Scientist-in-Residence?

  • To make a difference! By serving as a positive role model of a real-world scientist, you can inspire curiosity and excitement about STEM topics, and positively influence the career aspirations of students from underserved communities.
  • To enhance your mentoring and teaching skills: Scientists receive training and hands-on experience in pedagogical methods and strategies.
  • To broaden your professional network and resume. Scientists earn a yearlong Membership to the New York Academy of Sciences.

+ Why should I become a SiR Host Teacher?

  • To inspire and be inspired! By becoming a host teacher, you can encourage STEM professionals to take part in education and also be inspired to include more innovative scientific methods in your classrooms.
  • To enhance your science literacy and deepen knowledge in real-world scientific practices and STEM applications.
  • To reflect on and refine STEM teaching practices, especially the utilization of student-centered, project-based and inquiry-based learning models while expanding your repertoire of replicable STEM project and lesson plans.

+ How much time is involved?

Once accepted and matched, all SiR participants are required to attend a two-day training in late August, a full day planning session in November at the New York Academy of Science as well as an evening virtual convening in January. Scientists are also required to attend an orientation in July.

After orientation and training, each SiR team will schedule at least 10 sessions for scientists to visit the classroom over the course of the school year (from September to April). Scientists and teachers will meet outside of class time and scheduled convening to develop project and teaching plan prior to each session. All participants are required to attend the End-of-Program Celebration in the evening.

The majority of time dedicated to the project will occur during the school day (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM), but some evening and weekend time may also be scheduled for planning and reporting.

+ What is my responsibility as a Scientist-in-Residence?

  • Specific responsibilities will differ depending on the circumstances of each teacher and classroom. At a minimum, scientists will collaborate with the teachers to develop the project, supervise experiments, and support classroom instruction on project design and implementation.
  • Scientists will also support with administering lessons to students on the concepts needed to understand the project, assisting students in data collection and analysis, and preparing a final presentation at the end of the semester.
  • Submit progress report and check in regularly with the Program Manager.

+ What is my responsibility as a SiR Host Teacher?

  • Prior to scientist’s first visit, the teacher will prepare students and the school for the implementation of the Scientist-in-Residence program.
  • Teachers will ensure the project and related activities are aligned with STEM standards and provide support in classroom management and content delivery.
  • For the End-of-Program Celebration, teachers will coordinate the attendance of students and their families.
  • Submit progress report and check in regularly with the Program Manager.

+ Will I be reimbursed for my time and/or expenses?

Each SiR team will have a budget for their project materials and supplies. Additionally, upon completion of the program, each scientist and teacher will receive a stipend for their participation.  Limited travel reimbursements are also available for scientists. More information about stipends and reimbursement amounts can be found in the program application.

Please check your eligibility to receive this stipend as all participants are required to complete necessary tax forms prior to the start of the program.

+ Who is eligible to apply?

Qualified Scientists are:

  • Graduate students, postdocs, or professionals from STEM disciplines who are interested in improving their pedagogical and communication skills and expanding teaching experience
  • Located within commuting distance of New York City and/or willing to travel within the five boroughs
  • Available and committed to attend all orientation, training and meetings
  • Individuals with a passion for serving their communities and inspiring the next generation of scientists and thinkers

Qualified Host Teachers are:

  • New York City public/charter school science teachers who are interested in implementing a year-long STEM project and welcome a scientist inside and outside of the classroom
  • Available and committed to attend all orientation, training and meetings
  • Dedicated teachers that will continue the project or implement it with different cohorts of students after the program

+ What are the requirements to apply?

For Scientists

  • In addition to completing the application form, applicants must submit are encouraged to submit a letter of support from their PI or supervising scientist acknowledging the time commitment to this volunteer program.
  • All applicants are subject to a background check, administered by the Department of Education and the Department of Health (at no cost to the scientist).

For Teachers

  • In addition to completing the application form, applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of support from their school principal acknowledging the time commitment to this program

New York STEM City
New York STEM City

Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program

The Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program (ASMP) recruits young scientists and engineers to mentor middle school students in underserved communities throughout New York City, with the goal of inspiring a lifelong interest in STEM. In partnership with the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), ASMP assigns mentors to selected after-school program sites to teach a variety of curriculum, ranging from genetics to space science. Participating Mentors receive training in STEM curriculum and youth development, then work in pairs to implement weekly sessions. Upon completion of the program, Mentors receive a New York Academy of Sciences Mentoring Credential.

Frequently Asked Questions

+ Why should I become an ASMP Mentor?

  • To hone your coaching and communication skills. Mentors receive training and hands-on experience in pedagogy and youth development.
  • To broaden your resume. Mentors who complete 30 hours of mentoring and training during a single school year will receive a New York Academy of Sciences Mentoring Credential.
  • To make a difference! By serving as a positive role model of a real-world scientist or engineer, you can inspire curiosity and excitement about STEM topics, and positively influence the career aspirations of students from underserved communities.

+ What are the options for ASMP curriculum?

We offer a wide variety of pre-approved curricula for Mentors to select from. You can download short descriptions for the full list of available curricula here.

+ How much time is involved?

Mentors are required to attend a half-day Saturday training session on either January 25th or February 1st at the New York Academy of Sciences (located in 7 World Trade Center). Selected mentors will also need to complete an online training module on youth development and pedagogy.

After completing training, Mentors will be paired and assigned to a selected program site to teach for one hour per week. Mentors and their partners will work with program directors to determine a weekly session time that works with their schedules.

Participating programs are located throughout the five boroughs of New York City. We reimburse the cost of travel to and from the mentoring site and try to ensure that the one-way commute for mentors does not exceed 60 minutes.

+ Who is eligible to become a Mentor?

Qualified ASMP Mentor applicants are:

  • Undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, or professionals in a STEM field
  • Within commuting distance of New York City
  • Passionate about inspiring youth to pursue STEM studies and careers
  • Committed to the program training and teaching schedule

+ What are the requirements to apply?

To be considered for the program, applicants must:

  • Complete the online application.
  • Submit a letter of acknowledgment from their PI or supervising scientist stating their awareness of the once-a-week commitment to this volunteer mentoring program and their support for the Mentor’s commitment to this program. The letter should be attached in the application or emailed to asmp@nyas.org with the subject line “Mentorship Letter of Support”. Please contact us if you have questions regarding this requirement.
  • Complete a background check adhering to local policies at no cost to the Mentors as well as health form signed by a doctor.

+ How do I apply?

We are now accepting applications for ASMP Mentors! Apply to be a mentor today!

Be Notified When Summer 2020 Recruitment Begins

Sign Up >

Help us Change the Face of STEM


Meet two of our ASMP Mentors, and see how they are changing kids’ perceptions of what it means to be a scientist, and who can become one…
New York STEM City

Family Science Nights

Research shows that interactions with STEM professionals can transform kids’ views of science, and positively impact their career aspirations. But most students in the New York area rarely have the opportunity to meet and interact with real scientists. That’s why the Academy created an outreach effort called Family Science Night, which recruits Academy Members, grad students, postdocs, and STEM professionals to spend an evening working with kids on hands-on scientific projects and demonstrations. With five family science nights per year, one in each borough, we hope to make this volunteer opportunity accessible to scientists and engineers throughout the greater New York area.

Interested in Participating in a Family Science Night?

Subscribe >

Family Science Nights


Think you’re too busy to volunteer? Find out how you can help inspire kids by investing only two hours of your time…
New York STEM City
New York STEM City

Frequently Asked Questions

+ What are the goals of Family Science Night?

The program goals are to inspire curiosity and excitement about STEM topics among middle school students through hands-on STEM activities, and to connect inquisitive students with professional role models in STEM through meaningful, in-person interactions.

+ What are the qualifications to become a volunteer?

Qualified Family Science Night volunteers are:

  • Passionate about serving their communities and inspiring the next generation of scientists and thinkers
  • Located within commuting distance of the New York City metropolitan area
  • Undergraduate or graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, or professionals in a STEM field

+ How are Family Science Night locations selected?

To select Family Science Night host locations, the Academy works closely with the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) to identify appropriate partnership opportunities around New York City.

+ How much time is involved?

Volunteers are asked to arrive 30 minutes before the start of each event to practice the activities they will replicate with students. Each Family Science Night typically lasts 90 minutes.

+ Recruiting and Family Science Night dates

Volunteer recruitment for this program is conducted on a rolling basis. We are currently in the process of establishing Family Science Nights for 2019. If you’d like to be notified of volunteer opportunities for future Family Science Nights, please subscribe here by selecting the box for “Single Day & Short-Term” opportunities. For additional information regarding 2019 dates and locations, contact us at asmp@nyas.org.

Questions?

If you have any questions concerning Family Science Nights, email us at ASMP@nyas.org.