Playbill has partnered with Inspired to create and amplify stories of inspiration that advocate for young people across the country to have access to arts and cultural experiences. The following article is written by the team at Situation Project and adapted from their online publication Inspired. Click here to learn more.
Across New York City, something extraordinary is taking root in zoos, aquariums, museums, and gardens. Young people from every borough are stepping into labs, exhibits, and conservation projects—not as visitors, but as valued contributors. This is the power of SCI Network NYC, a growing alliance of cultural and scientific institutions working together to change the future of science access for the city’s youth.
“The spark came from a shared recognition,” says Karen Tingley, Vice President of Education for Zoos and Aquarium at the Wildlife Conservation Society. “We realized we could do more by working together.”
Uniting for Impact
SCI Network NYC unites eight institutions including the American Museum of Natural History, Bronx Zoo, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and New York Aquarium. For years, these organizations had been offering youth internships and educational programming, but often in isolation. When leaders from each came together, they saw an opportunity to build something bigger.
“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.”
Equity at the Core
At the heart of this work is a deep commitment to equity. Every internship through SCI Network NYC is paid. That’s a deliberate choice to eliminate financial barriers and open doors for youth who might not otherwise be able to participate. “Financial barriers shouldn’t stand in the way of opportunity,” Tingley says.
And the impact is real. Eighty-eight percent of SCI Network interns live 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 goes far beyond job training. Interns receive over 200 hours of skill-building, mentorship, and peer support. Supervisors are trained to create inclusive, youth-centered environments that ensure interns feel seen, heard, and valued.
The Power of Public Partnership
The network also benefits from strong public partnership, especially from the New York City Council. Their investment helped bring the vision to life, providing the funding to formalize the network and hire coordinating staff. But the support has gone well beyond the budget line.
“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.”
“SCI Network NYC is a shining example of what’s possible when we invest in our city’s cultural institutions as pathways to opportunity,” adds John Calvelli, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at the Wildlife Conservation Society. “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.”
Internships That Ignite Possibility
The most profound outcomes of the program can be found in the voices of the interns themselves. SCI Network NYC tracks impact through regular evaluations, and the numbers speak volumes. Seventy-four percent of interns now see themselves pursuing careers in science. Seventy-seven percent are interested in continuing to work in cultural institutions.
“Youth consistently tell us that working in these institutions helps them envision futures they hadn’t considered before,” Tingley shares. “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.”
Elevating Youth Voices
SCI Network NYC also ensures young people have a voice in shaping the future. Interns have spoken at City Council hearings, traveled to Albany and Washington, D.C., and 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,” says Tingley.
Events like youth-led conservation summits and intern networking nights further elevate these voices, helping young people see themselves not just in science, but as leaders in the field.
Join the Movement for Youth and Science
Looking ahead, the network is expanding. That means reaching more young people in underrepresented neighborhoods, strengthening workforce development and career readiness programming, and enhancing long-term tracking to follow alumni as they pursue careers. The team is also working to deepen partnerships with city programs like the Summer Youth Employment Program, making access even more seamless.
“Ultimately, we’re working toward a vision where every young New Yorker can imagine and achieve a future in science, culture, and conservation,” Tingley says.
For those who care about youth, education, or the future of science, there are many ways to get involved. Share the story. Champion public funding for paid internships. Offer mentorship or support at local institutions. And above all, listen to young people.
As Tingley puts it, “Investing in youth is investing in the future of New York City.”
Inspired was created by Situation Project 501(c)3.
