Dear Parents, Sponsors, and Friends of Mt. Vernon,
As the Executive Director of the Northeast STEM Starter Academy at Mt. Vernon (NSSA), I am proud to announce that we are gearing up for our 11th annual Summer STEM Camp, running from Monday, July 21st through Friday, August 8th at the Grimes School, right here in our community.
For over a decade, NSSA has been dedicated to one mission: to provide free, high-quality STEM education to the youth of Mt. Vernon – a city rich in talent and potential, yet facing significant educational and economic challenges. Our summer camp is a cornerstone of that mission, and I want to personally invite you to be part of this transformative experience.
To Parents: Give Your Child the Gift of Discovery
If you are a parent of a child currently in 2nd through 10th grade (for the 2024/2025 school year), this summer camp offers an incredible opportunity for your child to explore the exciting worlds of robotics, coding, Raspberry Pi, 3D design and printing, physics, forensics, genomics, aquaponics, and more.
Our program runs daily from 8:45 AM to 2:50 PM, and we provide free breakfast and lunch to ensure every child is nourished and ready to learn.
We know that many families in Mt. Vernon face financial barriers that limit access to quality STEM programs. That’s why NSSA is committed to keeping this camp completely free. We want every child to experience the joy of hands-on STEM learning, to develop critical thinking skills, and to build confidence that will serve them for life.
To Sponsors and Donors: Your Support Changes Lives
To our generous sponsors and donors, I want to extend my deepest gratitude. Your support makes this program possible. Without your investment, we could not provide the resources, technology, and meals that make NSSA’s summer camp a safe, enriching, and inspiring environment for hundreds of students.
Mt. Vernon faces some of the highest poverty and lowest academic achievement rates in Westchester County. By supporting NSSA, you are not just funding a summer camp, you are investing in the future of our community. You are helping to close the opportunity gap, nurture the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators, and ultimately, transform lives.
Why NSSA Matters
Since our founding in 2013, NSSA has grown from a small pilot program serving 27 students to an organization that has reached over 3,500 youth annually through camps, after-school, and weekend programs. Our curriculum is designed to align with New York State’s Common Core Learning Standards while emphasizing hands-on, project-based learning that sparks curiosity and creativity.
Our students don’t just learn STEM, they live it. They compete in contests, earn prizes and awards, and develop skills that prepare them for high school, college, and careers in STEM fields. Many of our alumni have gone on to pursue advanced studies and careers in science and technology, proving that when given the right opportunities, our youth can achieve and achieve more.
How to Get Involved
- Parents:Please visit our website at https://nssa-mv.org/student-application/ to apply for your child’s spot. Applications are due on or before Monday, July 7th. Spaces are limited, so I encourage you to apply early. By enrolling your child in NSSA’s summer camp, you’re joining a proud tradition of thousands of past students who have discovered the excitement of STEM, gained valuable skills, and unlocked new opportunities for their futures. Together, we’re building a community of young innovators ready to shape the world.
- Sponsors and Donors:If you are interested in partnering with us or making a contribution, please contact us through our website. Every dollar helps us expand our reach and improve our programs. By joining NSSA as a new sponsor or donor, you become part of an esteemed community of visionary partners who are passionately committed to transforming the lives of Mt. Vernon’s youth through STEM education. Together, we are building a legacy of opportunity, innovation, and hope that will uplift generations to come.
Together, we can ensure that Mt. Vernon’s children have the tools, knowledge, and inspiration they need to succeed in STEM and beyond. Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping us build a brighter future one student at a time.
With gratitude,
Gerald D. Dennis
Founder and Executive Director, Northeast STEM Starter Academy at Mt. Vernon
www.nssa-mv.org
