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NYC STEM Education Network x District 4 Summer Rising STEAM Fair

STEAM education and fostering young innovators in Harlem! Read about the Summer Rising STEAM Fair, where 11 dynamic members of the NYC STEM Education Network came together to celebrate science and exploration.

We witnessed an incredible gathering at the Summer Rising STEAM Fair in Harlem. The NYC STEM Education Network and District 4 brought together 11 dynamic NYC STEM Education Network members to celebrate science and exploration. Over 200 students, school leaders, and families came together to see student presentations and captivating hands-on activities.

Beam Center, Dazzling Discoveries/Skill Mill NYC, DIVAS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE INC, Drone Cadets, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Ivy Tutors Network, Reach the World, STEM Kids NYC, Tech Kids Unlimited, The League of Young Inventors, Vision Education & Media (VEMNY) – RoboFun showcased their offerings at P.S. 007 Samuel Stern School.

P.S. 007 Samuel Stern School in Harlem.

The creativity of students was on full display as they proudly showcased computer games and STEM projects they created during Summer Rising. This gathering also provided a remarkable opportunity for NYC STEM Education Network members to engage with school leaders interested in expanding their STEAM programs for the upcoming academic year.

District 4 students

“The Summer Rising STEAM Fair is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when STEAM resources, committed educators, and motivated young minds come together,” said Saskia Traill, Ph.D., the President, and CEO of ExpandED Schools.

Phyllip Augustin, a scientist at Pepsi.

A surprise guest, Phyllip Augustin, a distinguished scientist at Pepsi, added his spark to the occasion. Augustin, a subject matter expert in flavor and taste technology, shared invaluable insights with the students, emphasizing the significance of curiosity and the power of asking questions.

“With the unwavering support of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, our journey to expand and enrich STEM learning opportunities for NYC students continues to flourish,” said Yuki Ynfante, the NYC STEM Education Network Manager.

L-R, Yuki Ynfante, NYC STEM Education Network Manager; Dr. Kristy De La Cruz, District 4 Superintendent; Saskia Traill, Ph.D., the President, and CEO of ExpandED Schools; NY State District 68 Assemblymember, Eddie Gibbs; Lisa Reiter, Deputy Superintendent District 4; Vanessa MacDonna, Director of Continuous Improvement; Shawn Jean-Louis, Policy Director at ExpandED Schools; Naveed Hasan, Manhattan CEC elected representative in the Panel for Education Policy.

District 4, overseeing approximately 23 schools and over 11,000 students in grades PreK, and K-12, has placed a profound emphasis on the integration of STEAM.

“This multidisciplinary approach equips our youth with the essential skills to thrive in an ever-evolving world, fostering innovation, critical thinking, and creativity. Science opens doors to understanding the natural world, enabling young minds to explore and solve complex challenges like climate change and disease control. By promoting STEAM this summer and beyond, we will prepare our youth to become adaptable, resilient, and innovative leaders of tomorrow,” said District 4 Superintendent Dr. Kristy De La Cruz.

Let’s continue to celebrate and support the journey of these young inventors as they shape their future in STEAM. Here’s to the spirit of collaboration, exploration, and limitless possibilities!

Marleny Polanco

Program Manager, Comprehensive Program Support Team

Marleny Polanco has been with ExpandED Schools for over two years, overseeing literacy programs in the Bronx and Manhattan. With more than 17 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Marleny brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role.

Known for her meticulous attention to detail and sweet demeanor, Marleny is deeply committed to supporting educators and fostering student success. Her thoughtful approach ensures that literacy initiatives are implemented with care and precision, creating meaningful and lasting impacts in the schools she serves.

Allison Philippin

Program Manager, Comprehensive Program Support Team

Allison Philippin has been a vibrant and dedicated member of the ExpandED Schools team for over three years. She oversees literacy programs in schools across Brooklyn, bringing her energetic and bubbly personality to every interaction.

Allison is passionate about cultivating strong relationships with educators and school communities, consistently pushing for greatness in literacy education. Her enthusiasm and commitment inspire those around her to strive for excellence, ensuring students and educators alike have the support they need to thrive.

Noel Morales

Program Manager, Comprehensive Program Support Team

Noel Morales has been an integral part of the ExpandED Schools team for over three years, bringing his expertise and dedication to literacy education. He oversees literacy programs in schools across the Bronx, supporting educators in creating dynamic and impactful learning environments for their students.

Passionate about equity and access in education, Noel is committed to helping schools implement innovative literacy strategies that inspire a love for learning. His collaborative approach ensures that both teachers, literacy educators, and students have the resources and support needed to succeed.

Alex De La Cruz

Senior Program Manager, Comprehensive Program Support Team

Alex De La Cruz has been a dedicated member of the ExpandED Schools team for over five years, specializing in literacy program support. As a senior team member, Alex oversees literacy initiatives in schools across Brooklyn and Queens, working closely with educators to foster impactful and engaging learning experiences for students.

With a deep commitment to education, Alex focuses on building strong, supportive relationships with schools and empowering literacy educators to achieve their goals. His work reflects a passion for ensuring that every student has access to the tools they need to thrive academically and creatively.

Inayah Ansari

Program Manager, Comprehensive Program Support Team

Inayah Ansari is a seasoned professional with more than a decade of experience in youth development. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating impactful programs and content, particularly in the areas of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and goal development. In addition to her expertise in program development, she has also supervised and coached teams, as well as collaborated with community-based organizations (CBOs) to enhance their efforts in supporting young people.

Inayah’s deep passion for reading books fuels her dedication to her work, especially in her current role with Lit C.R.E.W. She is committed to helping children unlock the joy of reading, believing it can open up a world of possibilities and learning for young minds. Her mission is to inspire and guide children in discovering the wonderful world of books, fostering a love of reading that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Tiffany Perry

Program Director of Lit C.R.E.W., Comprehensive Program Support Team

Tiffany Perry brings over 15 years of experience in education and a decade in the nonprofit sector to her role as Director of Lit C.R.E.W. at ExpandED Schools. She oversees programming in more than 15 schools across New York City, championing innovative literacy initiatives that inspire both educators and students.

A passionate advocate for literacy and creativity, Tiffany is dedicated to empowering young learners to unlock their potential through engaging and meaningful educational experiences. Her work is driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of reading and its ability to connect, inform, and inspire the next generation.