Unlocking Power and Potential Through Free STEM Education
Empowering Underserved,
At-Risk Youth of Mt. Vernon Through the Marvels of Science
Our Free, Barrier-Breaking STEM Programs Are Made Possible with the Generous Support of Our Partners and Sponsors.
About Us
Inspiring Curiosity, Igniting Passion, Breaking Barriers for At-Risk Youth
The NSSA at Mt. Vernon was established as an independent, IRS-approved 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization to introduce the marvels of science and overcome the disparities and numerous challenges that remain unaddressed due to significant underfunding and lack of resources in the Mt. Vernon public school system.
At the NSSA, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the wonders of science. Through our free STEM educational initiatives, underprivileged and at-risk students are equipped with the tools they need to realize their maximum potential and alter their life trajectory for the better.
Mission & Vision
Imagining Possibilities, Building Futures
We started with a single STEM class of 27 kids in 2014. Nearly 80 percent of these students who attended the first program would return for at least two additional NSSA STEM classes prior to their High School graduation. We’ve come a long way since: 80+ classes, 3500 kids, and students returning year after year. But we’re not done yet.
Our Mission: Introduce the marvels of science to Mt. Vernon’s underserved and under-resourced public school students on a systematic, regular basis, enabling at-risk students access and exposure to experience and explore enhanced, challenging STEM learning…and ultimately break through existing barriers to achieve educational and life success as much-needed doctors, scientists, technologists, and engineers.
Our Vision: Directly impact current and future generations of Mt. Vernon students with the NSSA STEM Educational Community Center embedded in the community of Mt. Vernon, freely available to children, parents, teachers, and the broader community. The Center, a well-resourced science and technology-based hub, will provide students access and exposure to enriched STEM learning, and act as an engine for larger social change in the Mt. Vernon community.
Our STEM Programs & Classes
Our Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Education Programs Spark Excitement and Build a Path to a Better Future
Explore Past and Upcoming STEM Education Programs and Courses for Students in All Grades.
Robotics, rockets, drones, coding, math, science experiments, and more!
Come see why our STEM classes provide fun and important learning experiences.
All students will have many opportunities to learn a lot and win prizes and awards.
Space is limited, so apply now!
FREE STEM Classes
Kids grades 3 through 12 can take a variety of STEM classes and learn about science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun and engaging way.
FREE Summer Programs
Kids’ Summer STEM classes and programs introduce and build on science, technology, engineering and math education.
FREE Field Trips
Visit local science, technology and engineering centers, organizations and points of interest through free group field trips.
Impact
Transforming Lives: Success Stories of Impact from our STEM Education Initiatives
Do you see our future doctors, scientists, technologists and engineers? We do!
We’re so proud of our more than 3,500 participating students over these past ten years who live in Mt. Vernon; the NSSA intends to help them beat the odds that right now, in Mt. Vernon, are against them.
With the kind backing of our friends and supporters, we are providing our children with access and exposure to enhanced, challenging STEM learning that, when coupled with hard work and persistence, will allow them to break through existing barriers and achieve lifelong success.
As proud as we are of our more than eighty prior programs and the many accomplishments, the future of our children and our community demands that we do more.
Discover the impact that the NSSA has had on the lives of underprivileged and at-risk students. Through our STEM educational programs, we have empowered these students to unlock their potential and pursue their dreams. Read their stories and be inspired by their accomplishments.
Unlocking Potential Through Enhanced STEM Education
NSSA’s programs provide systematic STEM exposure, hands-on learning, and mentorship opportunities to underprivileged and at-risk students, empowering them to unlock their full potential in the field of science.
“WATCH: Building Their Future”
TV news segment on News12.
Envisioning Career Paths in STEM
At NSSA, students engage in hands-on learning activities that bring science concepts to life, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject, and helping to envision concrete career opportunities.
“WATCH: Building Their Future”
TV news segment on News12.
Transforming a Community, One Student at a Time
At NSSA, students engage in hands-on learning activities that bring science concepts to life, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject, and helping to envision concrete career opportunities.
“WATCH: Building Their Future”
TV news segment on News12.
Unlocking Potential Through Enhanced STEM Education
NSSA’s programs provide systematic STEM exposure, hands-on learning, and mentorship opportunities to underprivileged and at-risk students, empowering them to unlock their full potential in the field of science.
Envisioning Career Paths in STEM
At NSSA, students engage in hands-on learning activities that bring science concepts to life, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject, and helping to envision concrete career opportunities.
Transforming a Community, One Student at a Time
At NSSA, students engage in hands-on learning activities that bring science concepts to life, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject, and helping to envision concrete career opportunities.
“WATCH: Building Their Future”
TV news segment on News12.
Mt. Vernon, NY
Why Mt. Vernon? A Community At-Risk
With approximately 70,000 people, Mt. Vernon is the third largest city in Westchester County, and accounts for 8% of the affluent county’s total population.
A city that compromises less than 10% of the affluent Westchester County’s total population but accounts for the majority of the county’s murder rate is unacceptable to our organization. Mount Vernon has a higher crime rate, poverty rate, unemployment rate and consistently graduates 25% to 45% less students each year from it public schools than those in the surrounding communities.
Mt. Vernon is the only major city in the state of New York where minorities represent the majority of the population with African-Americans at almost 70%. Mt. Vernon has:
Mt. Vernon's Youth Needs Your Help
More than 90% of the students attending Mt. Vernon’s public schools are children of color. Over the past five years, the school district has graduated 30% to 45% fewer students annually compared to the districts of the surrounding communities. Equally distressing, our students’ math and science national test scores are among the county’s lowest.
Children of Color
Fewer Graduates than Surrounding Communities
Pass Rate (8th Grade Math, 2012)
“The NSSA has been an incredible resource for our students. The hands-on science activities have sparked their curiosity and helped them develop a love for STEM. After ten years, a long list of students have consistently credited their learning experiences associated with the NSSA with strongly influencing and encouraging their seeking and securing STEM-based careers.”
-Gerald D. Dennis, Founder and Executive Director”
Looking Forward
The Center: Together We Can Change the Trajectory for an Entire Community.
We Have the Vision.
Help Us Make It a Reality.
Research indicates that technology and science centers have a positive educational impact on the children of the community and the community in general. Additionally, they can improve the economics and culture of the community and the surrounding communities. The NSSA at Mt. Vernon will offer a host of interactive exhibits, a planetarium, various laboratories, and a broad range of student-based programs directly aligned with the Board of Education curriculum, internships, and other opportunities to prepare youth for four-year colleges and meaningful careers.
This hands-on educational resource will reflect the NSSA’s commitment to and support of the community. The center will feature a broad collection of interactive technology and science exhibits, many of which are aligned with and made possible through the support and guidance of local and national corporate partnerships.
The center will partner with public school leadership to ensure that at-risk students have access to state-of-the-art science and technology resources that prepare them for careers as teachers, scientists, computer technologists, doctors, and engineers.
Funding: All capital to fund the construction is audited by an independent major accounting firm, and audits are made publicly available. The initial fundraising goal is $5 million.
