Let's connect and grow.
Join our growing network of Science Career Ladder Alumni, and get involved in networking and mentoring opportunities.
Youth Development
For more than 30 years, NYSCI has inspired and guided young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
The Alan J. Friedman Center for the Development of Young Scientists
In May 2014, NYSCI lost a singular force in its family, Dr. Alan J. Friedman, who led the institution from 1984 until 2006.
At the core of Alan’s vision for NYSCI was the commitment to provide opportunities for high school and college students to develop their interests in science by sharing the experience of discovery with others.
Science Career Ladder
The Science Career Ladder is NYSCI’s signature education program. It is an opportunity for high school and college students to work at NYSCI and also participate in mentoring, professional development and career preparation activities.
As Explainers on our exhibit floor, Science Career Ladder students are the face of NYSCI. They explain our exhibits, perform demonstrations, support educational workshops and act as role models to students in NYSCI’s out-of-school camps and clubs.
STEM Career Nights
STEM Nights are a series of evening events during the school year that features interactive activities, visiting STEM organizations throughout New York City, and career conversations with STEM professionals who share their stories with middle school, high school and college students across the city. Students engage in hands-on activities related to the field of focus, listen to panel discussions, and network with educational institutions, out-of-school-time organizations, and STEM-based corporations.
The Innovation Institute
The Innovation Institute is a new program at NYSCI that guides young people through the process of invention.
The Innovation Institute is conducted in collaboration with Kipp Bradford, a bioengineer, maker and entrepreneur most recently at Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design, and Dr. Raymond Codrington, an anthropologist most recently at the Aspen Roundtable.
Explainer TV
A project under the Friedman Center, Explainer TV engages high school and college students in digital video production that highlights science, NYSCI and our Explainers. These associate producers learn how to create short videos – including storyboarding, scriptwriting, interviewing, lighting, shooting, editing and social media engagement.
As they hone their filmmaking skills, associate producers also become advocates for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) – embodying NYSCI’s Design-Make-Play learning approach. A key aspect of the Explainer TV Program is developing 21st century skills of communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.