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Science Talent Initiative

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Today, many of New York City's public school science departments do not have enough funding to support student science fairs, an educational cornerstone that many of us take for granted. As a result, students at these schools graduate without a solid foundation in math and science.

According to the United States Department of Education, 82% of 12th graders are not proficient in science, and 83% of 12th graders are not proficient in mathematics. The nation's 12th grade scores on the National Assessment of Education Progress are even lower than they were four years ago, with four out of five high school seniors lacking proficiency in science.

Program History

Recognizing that students in New York City public schools need a strong foundation in math and science, United Way of New York City created the Science Talent Initiative in 2003 to assist science departments in some of the most under-served high schools in New York City.

Key Features of the Initiative

With the expert assistance of the New York Hall of Science, the Science Talent Initiative supports the goals of the Education Reform Act of 2002 by highlighting the importance of science education, providing resources to develop a strong science curriculum, and encouraging more students to pursue studies in science.

As part of the Science Talent Initiative:

• Science grants are awarded to 20 New York City public high schools to enhance their science programs and to support their own school-based science fair;
• Two winning project teams from each school participate in the United Way of New York City Science Talent Expo held at the New York Hall of Science. Participants and guests are invited to attend the Awards Celebration held at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum;
• Teachers selected to coordinate the science fair at each school receive a stipend or new teacher's credit as well as a scholarship for a science enrichment workshop at the New York Hall of Science;
• Schools have an opportunity to apply for a research mini-grant that allows teachers and students to visit science institutions and conduct special research projects; and
• To guide students as they prepare for science fairs, teachers conduct a 12-week out-of-school time science enrichment program.

Program Goals

Our main focus is to assist under funded science departments in New York City public schools and help give students a better background in math and science.

Initiative Highlights

In four years the Science Talent Initiative has provided 75 science departments with the opportunity to host science fairs, and over 500 students the opportunity to participate in the citywide science fair.

In 2006, United Way of New York City received 75 Science Talent Initiative grant applications for 20 available grants. Each of the 19 selected schools received a grant in the amount of $3,500. A total of 38 New York City public school teachers participated in this year's program, and over 2,000 students were involved in science fairs at the selected schools.

On the evening of June 1, 2006, 38 student teams presented projects at the Science Expo at the New York Hall of Science. The Awards Celebration took place at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on the evening of June 13, 2006, where the top student team in four main science categories and three honorable mention categories were awarded cash prizes for their outstanding projects.

The 2006 Science Talent Initiative was generously funded by Con Edison.

Our Partners in the Science Talent Initiative  We rely on the expertise and support of several organizations to ensure the effectiveness of the Science Talent Initiative: Funding Partners Con Edison United Way of New York City donors Community-based Partners New York Hall of Science

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