Program to provide underrepresented New York City high school students technological skills and financial literacy
The New York Yankees today announced the New York Yankees STEM Scholars Program in partnership with STEM Educational Institute, Inc. The initiative aims to give underrepresented high school students in New York City the technological skills needed to enter today’s workforce while building generational wealth.
The New York Yankees STEM Scholars Program, which kicked off on Monday, July 25, at Yankee Stadium, provides a one-week program that serves as a career bridge for high school students to enter STEM fields and college majors. After completing the summer program, students will continue to learn and earn income through offsite monthly meetings. These monthly meetings put students on the path to earning a certification as a Data Analyst or Data Scientist.
During the summer program at Yankee Stadium, students are participating in an in-person curriculum that includes:
- STEM and Coding Skills: Hands-on learning to solve real-world problems using the python coding language.
- Generational Wealth and Future Goals: Students enroll in a 529 College Savings Plan with a scholarship from
the New York Yankees. They also learn fundamental skills to prepare and save for college through a wealth management curriculum. - Mental Health Resources: Support for coping with COVID-19-induced stress, study strategies and stress management skills.
- Baseball Analytics: Yankees baseball operations staff members have created a baseball-oriented education module to introduce baseball analytics applications for STEM skills.
- Career Bridge and Financial Stability: The New York Yankees provide students a stipend to support their daily needs. This stipend allows students to focus on learning skills that can transfer into internships or full-time positions.
“The New York Yankees are committed to developing the next generation of STEM leaders and professionals, and we are proud to launch the NYY STEM Scholars program in conjunction with the STEM Educational Institute,” said Brian Smith, Yankees Senior Vice President of Corporate/Community Relations. “Our annual commitment to this program will provide resources that empower and strengthen lives by promoting STEM expertise and financial literacy, which are such critical components to workplace success and long-term personal stability. We are also excited to reach underserved populations through this initiative and have a part in cultivating a diverse network of young STEM talent for opportunities at the New York Yankees and beyond.”
“Only 30% of high-ability eighth graders from low-income families complete college, and our goal is to give underrepresented students the wealth management skills they need to succeed and introduce them to various STEM career opportunities through mentoring and scholarships,” said Nikisha Alcindor, President and Founder of STEM Educational Institute, Inc. “We are excited to partner with the New York Yankees as they continue their commitment to the surrounding communities. We sincerely appreciate the generous contributions and invaluable expertise in data science that the New York Yankees have provided through the NYY STEM Scholarship Program.”
The program will conclude with a fundraiser at the Friday, July 29 Yankees vs. Kansas City game. For more information about the STEM Educational Institute, please visit http://www.stemeducationalinstitute.org or reach out to Nikisha Alcindor at (646) 546-7275 or [email protected].
