Housed on the grounds of the 1964 World’s Fair in Corona, Queens, the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) has curiosity, discovery, and history built into its (literal) foundation. Since 1986, NYSCI’s mission has been to nurture a generation of passionate learners, critical thinkers and active citizens through the Design-Make-Play approach that they originated. The defining characteristics of Design-Make-Play — open-ended exploration, imaginative learning, personal relevance, deep engagement, and delight — create inspired and passionate STEM learners, within Queens and far beyond.
Under the direction of President & CEO Dr. Margaret Honey, NYSCI has positioned itself not only as a hands-on science museum, but as an innovation lab for STEM learning, a training ground for young scientists, a resource for teachers and students, and a partner to one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in the world.
One of NYSCI’s flagship programs, the Alan J. Friedman Center for the Development of Young Scientists, has served more than 3,500 local high school and college students through its nationally recognized youth education and employment program, the Science Career Ladder. Known as Explainers, Science Career Ladder participants engage the museum’s half-million annual visitors in creative STEM learning and serve as positive role models for the museum’s K-8 student audience. Explainers also get access to additional programming focused on academic enrichment, research training, professional mentorships, college readiness, career-building tools, and career development in STEM fields.
SFE has partnered with NYSCI to further develop the Science Career Ladder and to expand the network of participants in this innovative and field-leading program. Our support is tied to specific growth goals and outcomes, and we’re eager to see the Explainer program continue to thrive and support new generations of young, ambitious, and curious New Yorkers.
