Chapter 8: Engaging Immigrant Families in Out-of-School Time Activities

Cultural institutions, like the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), are uniquely positioned to involve the entire family in learning and exploration. When families, as well as youth, are involved in out-of-school time (OST) programs, youth come to programs more often and show more of the positive behaviors we want for them: strong academic performance, school engagement, and caring relationships (Little, 2013).

In the fall of 2016, NYSCI launched NYSCI Neighbors, a hyperlocal¹ initiative in Corona, Queens, New York that engages students, teachers, families, and community members in creative Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning. NYSCI works in deep partnership with the local school district, as well as non-profit organizations to run two programs under the umbrella of NYSCI Neighbors. These programs focus on low-income immigrant and first-generation families who comprise more than half of the population in Corona. Through Science Ambassadors, the first program, we provide free out-of-school time STEM opportunities, college preparation, and career resources for youth and in the second program, the Parent University, we support parent engagement, learning, and leadership.