YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Become A NYSCI Explainer
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 our preK – 8th grade student audience and each other. As part of their experience at NYSCI, Explainers participate in programming that focuses on college success, career-building, professional mentorships and research training.
Read below for more details or email Emilio Bautista at ebautista@nysci.org.
What do NYSCI Explainers do?
Explainers help bring the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) to life! They engage audiences in STEM conversations, perform science demonstrations, and contribute to the development of our museum exhibits and programming. Explainers, recognizable for their red aprons, essentially help show how science is amazing, and all around us!
Explainers form part of the Science Career Ladder (SCL) – the signature youth program of NYSCI’s Alan J. Friedman Center for the Development of Young Scientists. The SCL is an innovative education and employment program open to high school and college students.
While in the Explainer program, students represent the public face of the museum. They’re provided training, and given opportunities to participate in learning and development opportunities. Through co-facilitation and co-creation, Explainers elevate youth voice in the design and iteration of museum content, activities and exhibit development, as well as educational programming.
In the process, Explainers acquire communication skills, deepen their knowledge of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) topics and the scientific process, as well as gain experience with inquiry and teaching.
Responsibilities Include
- Actively engaging visitors at interactive science and technology exhibits.
- Facilitating design-based activities for visitors
- Learning and performing science-based demonstrations, bringing the excitement of STEM to diverse audiences
- Attending and participating in regularly scheduled professional development and peer-based training sessions.
- Participating in career development opportunities, including workshops, STEM Nights, field trips and networking events.
- Participating in reflective practices: performance assessment reviews, surveys, and focus groups as assigned.
Explainers Also Have The Opportunity To
Participate in science-based digital content creation projects and performance of science activities on camera.
Qualifications:
- New York City residents
- Currently enrolled in high school or college in New York City
Who We’re Looking For
- Students don’t need to love science, or be awesome at science! We’re interested in applications from students who are curious about the world around them, interested in learning new things, and inspired to develop new skills.
- Students open to exploring different aspects of STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology, Math).
- Students willing to leave their comfort zone in order to develop public speaking skills as well as their ability to engage and facilitate with museum visitors.
Time Commitment
- One full year commitment, working through the summer break.
- Must attend all days of orientation prior to starting.
- High School Students: minimum of 5 hours a week (weekends).
- College Students: minimum of 10 hours a week (weekdays).
- Available to work additional shifts during school vacation weeks, holidays and summer months.
Note: We conduct three hiring rounds throughout the year for the Explainer Program: In Spring, Summer and Fall.
Open application periods:
April 1st - May 1st
August 1st - September 1st
December 1st - January 1st
Want to learn more?
Fill out this form so we can reach out to you when our application becomes available and so we can provide you with an opportunity to join an information session about the Explainer Trainee role.
Open form periods:
March 1st - March 31st
July 1st - July 31st
November 1st - November 30th
