This spring, the NYU Path Program, housed at IHDSC, brought together more than 50 middle school students from IS 219—the only middle school served by Path—for a day-long, STEM-focused experience designed to help students explore how technology and education can open doors to new opportunities.
Through Path, students who have historically faced inequities in educational opportunities are connected with supports and experiences designed to expand their opportunities for learning, growth, and success. This year, the NYU Path Program partnered with NYU IT and the Bauer Foundation to bring local middle school students to NYU’s campus for a hands-on, technology-focused experience designed to introduce them to new possibilities in education and STEM careers. The partnership brings together NYU IT and the Bauer Foundation’s commitment to creating opportunities for young students to explore technology, higher education, and career pathways with Path’s mission to expand equitable educational opportunities and support students’ social-emotional and academic development.
Hosted by NYU IT and the Bauer Foundation, the event gave students the opportunity to explore NYU’s technology and learning spaces through a series of interactive experiences. Students visited the NYU LaGuardia 3D Studio, explored the Student Technology Center, and participated in an interactive workshop with the SPARK Lab at Bobst Library.
The day culminated in a career panel featuring NYU employees working across a range of fields. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, learn about different career paths, and gain insight into the many roles and opportunities available within technology and beyond.
Throughout the day, students engaged with NYU staff, explored new technologies, and discovered educational and career pathways they may not have previously imagined. The experience was designed not only to introduce students to STEM, but also to help them see themselves as future college students, professionals, and innovators.
As Kaicharise Alexander, Program Manager of IT Engagement at the Bauer Foundation, shared, “Seeing the students’ curiosity and enthusiasm throughout the day was incredibly rewarding. We hope they left knowing that there are countless pathways into technology and that their ideas and potential have a place in shaping the future.”
This is the second year that the NYU Path Program has invited middle school students to gain hands-on experience on NYU’s campus, providing an invaluable opportunity for young people to explore new possibilities for their education and careers. Experiences like this also reflect IHDSC’s commitment to community-engaged research and action—building meaningful connections between schools, communities, and the university to create opportunities that support students’ learning, development, and success.
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