SYRACUSE, NY (July 1, 2021) - The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) proudly launches the National Grid Future Innovators, an after-school STEM mentorship program designed for Black students in the Syracuse City School District.
MOST staff, along with a diverse group of local STEM practitioners serving as mentors, will guide students through an exciting STEM curriculum that includes hands-on workshops, relevant site visits, career exploration, exhibit design projects, engineering challenges, and museum experiences at the MOST.
"We are so grateful to National Grid for underwriting this program,” said Lauren Kochian, President of the MOST. “So many programs we offer are free to participate in, and the MOST incurs expenses for staff, bussing, technology and more. We cannot provide these incredible opportunities without National Grid and companies like them."
Students in National Grid Future Innovators will not only gain insight into the diversity of careers available to them in science, technology, skilled trades, manufacturing, and more but will also have opportunities to exercise and improve the kinds of problem-solving and critical thinking skills which are vital to success.
Kochian noted that at the MOST, we understand that there is both a need for and a lack of diversity in STEM careers and that research continually shows that students are more likely to achieve success when they have a role model to emulate and motivate them towards their goals.
Through direct mentorship, site visits, hands-on projects, and more, this program increases participant awareness of STEM careers, encourages exploration of the engineering design process and other critical thinking exercises, and empowers students to feel they are capable of success in the STEM fields.
“National Grid is committed to attracting diverse, local talent to become the next generation of the energy workforce,” said Alberto Bianchetti, National Grid CNY Regional Director, Customer and Community Engagement. “The Future Innovators Program is a great example of how community partners can work together to help students unlock their goals and to spark an interest in STEM careers."
Black STEM practitioners in the Syracuse or Central New York area are invited to serve as program mentors and commit to regular attendance at bi-weekly sessions for the duration of the program. Mentors will also assist in securing relevant site visits, speakers and other program components.
This program supports 20-25 Black students in grades 6-9 who are selected by the Syracuse City School District. The program has concluded for 2020-2021, and will continue through the 2021-2022 schoolyear.
