Third annual New York Yankees Stem Scholars Program underway
The New York Yankees today announced the return of the New York Yankees STEM Scholars Program in partnership with STEM Educational Institute, Inc. Introduced in 2022 and embarking on its third edition this week at Yankee Stadium, the initiative provides underrepresented New York City high school students the technological skills needed to enter today’s workforce and the tools to work toward building generational wealth.
The STEM Educational Institute is a program that serves as a career bridge for high school students to enter into STEM fields and college majors. Students participate in a one-year program that starts in the summer. Upon completion of the program, students receive a stipend, college scholarship, and access to an alumni learning platform, allowing them continuing education opportunities.
During the summer initiative at Yankee Stadium, students are participating in an in-person curriculum that includes:
- STEM: Students receive hands-on training to learn the computer language, Python, then utilize it to solve real-world problems.
- Financial Literacy: Students learn the basics of budgeting and investing to prepare and save for college.
- Mental Health: Students receive guidance on how to study efficiently and cope with stress.
“The New York Yankees are proud to contribute to the development of the next generation of STEM leaders and professionals in partnership with the STEM Educational Institute,” said Brian Smith, Yankees Senior Vice President of Corporate/Community Relations. “By instilling participants with tangible skills to reach their dreams for the future, the New York Yankees STEM Scholars program empowers young people from underserved populations with critical components for workplace success and long-term personal stability. We are so excited to continue this program for a third consecutive year and look forward to cultivating young STEM talent who can be a beacon for their community.”
“Advances in artificial intelligence have led many companies and academic institutions to rethink how young people should be best prepared for this new dynamic job market,” said Nikisha Alcindor, President and Founder of STEM Educational Institute, Inc. “The STEM Educational Institute is positioned to be at the forefront of ensuring that underrepresented populations and those who live below the poverty line are not left behind. Our partnership with the New York Yankees has allowed us to shine a spotlight on those who are less fortunate and ensure their success.”
The program will conclude with a fundraiser on Fri., Aug. 2, at Yankee Stadium during the Yankees’ game vs. Toronto. The event will honor Dr. Ushma Neill, Vice President of Scientific Education and Training at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK). The renowned cancer center has generously provided learning opportunities for both STEM Educational Institute students and the community at large. Recently, the students learned about the functionality of a surgical robot and met several MSK staff members, who recounted their career journeys and described how they look after their personal mental health.
“On behalf of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, I’m happy to join the Yankees in celebrating and honoring the STEM Educational Institute,” said Dr. Neill. “I can think of very few other organizations having a more palpable impact in exposing local students to the joy and intrigue of STEM disciplines. I wholeheartedly celebrate the STEM Educational Institute.”
For more information about the STEM Educational Institute, please visit www.stemeducationalinstitute.org or reach out to Nikisha Alcindor at nalcindor@stemeducationalinstitute.com or (917) 994-1757.