Across New York City, a transformative movement is taking root in cultural and scientific institutions such as zoos, aquariums, museums, and gardens. Young people from every borough are stepping into labs, exhibits, and conservation projects—not merely as visitors, but as valuable contributors. This is the essence of SCI Network NYC, an expanding alliance that unites cultural and scientific organizations committed to enhancing science access for the city’s youth.
Karen Tingley, Vice President of Education for Zoos and Aquarium at the Wildlife Conservation Society, remarked, “The spark came from a shared recognition. We realized we could do more by working together.”
Uniting for Impact, SCI Network NYC brings together eight institutions, including the American Museum of Natural History, Bronx Zoo, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the New York Aquarium. For years, these organizations offered youth internships and educational programming, but often acted in isolation. When leaders from each came together, they discovered an opportunity to create a more significant and unified effort.
“We knew there was power in creating a coordinated, citywide approach,” Tingley explains. “SCI Network NYC was born from that idea—a collective commitment to pool resources, share best practices, and make science internships more accessible and impactful for New York City youth.”
At the core of this endeavor is an unwavering commitment to equity. Every internship through SCI Network NYC is paid, a deliberate effort to eliminate financial barriers and create opportunities for youth who may not otherwise be able to participate. “Financial barriers shouldn’t stand in the way of opportunity,” Tingley emphasizes.
The outcomes are profound. Eighty-eight percent of SCI Network interns reside in low-income zip codes, many are first-generation college students, and more than half speak a language other than English at home. The program extends far beyond job training; interns receive over 200 hours of skill-building, mentoring, and peer support. Supervisors undergo training to forge inclusive, youth-centered environments where interns feel recognized, heard, and valued.
The network’s success is bolstered by strong public partnerships, particularly from the New York City Council. Their investment has been instrumental in realizing the vision for SCI Network NYC by funding its formalization and providing essential staff. Yet, this support transcends mere financial backing.
“Our Council partners have championed our youth—amplifying their stories, visiting sites, and advocating for the importance of science and cultural internships as part of NYC’s youth workforce strategy,” Tingley says. “Their partnership has elevated this work from individual efforts to a citywide movement.”
John Calvelli, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at the Wildlife Conservation Society, added, “SCI Network NYC is a shining example of what’s possible when we invest in our city’s cultural institutions as pathways to opportunity. Public support for these spaces is essential—not just for education and workforce development but for building a stronger, more connected New York for residents and visitors alike.”
The most significant impact of the program can be gleaned from the interns themselves. SCI Network NYC conducts regular evaluations to track its impact, and the statistics reveal encouraging outcomes. Seventy-four percent of interns now envision careers in science, while seventy-seven percent express interest in continuing work with cultural institutions.
Tingley shares, “Youth consistently tell us that working in these institutions helps them envision futures they hadn’t considered before. They describe a sense of belonging in spaces they previously viewed as inaccessible. These experiences don’t just teach skills—they build confidence and professional identity.”
Furthermore, SCI Network NYC ensures that young voices contribute to shaping the future. Interns have presented at City Council hearings, traveled to Albany and Washington, D.C., and have shared their stories directly with elected officials.
“When youth speak about how these internships have changed their lives, it makes the impact of our work tangible and undeniable,” Tingley expresses.
Events like youth-led conservation summits and intern networking nights are instrumental in elevating these voices, empowering young individuals to see themselves not only in science but also as leaders in the field.
Looking ahead, the network plans to expand its reach, aiming to connect with more young people in underrepresented neighborhoods, strengthening workforce development, and enhancing career readiness programming. The team is also focused on deepening partnerships with city programs like the Summer Youth Employment Program to streamline access further.
“Ultimately, we’re working toward a vision where every young New Yorker can imagine and achieve a future in science, culture, and conservation,” Tingley concludes.
For anyone passionate about youth, education, or the future of science, there are numerous ways to engage. Share the story, support public funding for paid internships, offer mentorship at local institutions, and, importantly, listen to young people.
As Tingley puts it, “Investing in youth is investing in the future of New York City.”
image source from：https://playbill.com/article/situation-project-sci-network
