More than 150 children gathered to demonstrate their STEAM skills (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) at the “Lights on Afterschool” event run by the Staten Island Children’s Museum in partnership with The Children’s Aid Society, at its Goodhue Center. These academic skills are the foundation of the Children’s Museum’s programming and a core part of after-school services available at Goodhue Center.

With the help of parents, community leaders, and volunteers from Con Edison, the children designed and built community-inspired structures from recycled boxes, which will be displayed at the Children’s Museum.

“These kinds of after-school activities will play a big role in the futures of these kids, so we have to encourage their interest and enthusiasm,” said Nicole Malliotakis, a member of the New York State Assembly. “I’m so glad that the Goodhue Center and the Children's Museum are making sure that children have access to these kinds of programs.”

The Staten Island Children’s Museum secured a grant to host this special “Lights on Afterschool” event. The grant comes from the Afterschool Alliance, which facilitates the national “Lights on Afterschool” program, which wanted to join science centers and after-school providers together to combine exciting science education and youth development. The Afterschool Alliance raises awareness of the importance of making the best use of young people’s out-of-school time.

“Strong after-school programs are a fundamental part of our work to make sure that young people get on the path toward a college education,” said Ilene Pappert, the director at the Goodhue Center. “It’s critical that we shine a light on the impact that these programs can have on children, their health, and their future.”

“Con Edison is committed to expanding STEAM education and bringing children quality after-school programming,” said Mark Irving, Con Edison’s director of public affairs for Staten Island. “As a long-time supporter of the Goodhue Center, and the Staten Island Children’s Museum, we commend them for having the vision and winning a grant to provide this program for our youth.”

The Children’s Aid Society is an independent, nonprofit organization established to serve the children of New York City.  Our mission is to help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive supports to children and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods. Founded in 1853, it is one of the nation’s largest and most innovative non-sectarian agencies, serving New York’s neediest children. Services are provided in community schools, neighborhood centers, health clinics and camps. For additional information, please call Anthony Ramos at (212) 949-4938/ (917) 204-8214, email anthonyr@childrensaidsociety.org or visit www.childrensaidsociety.org.