November 29, 2017

DDC STEAM Bronx Hope Enrichment Presentation

Presenters and students at Bronx Hope Enrichment Event

On November 29, DDC Deputy Commissioner Lee Llambelis spoke to students from Aquinas, the Academy of Mount Saint Ursula, and Cardinal Hayes High Schools, at Bronx HOPE's Health Professions High School Enrichment Program about STEAM careers and DDC’s STEAM Educational Initiatives. The presentation took place at a STEAM enrichment event sponsored by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.  Einstein's Health Professions High School Enrichment Program has partnered with several Bronx high schools to provide STEAM related enrichment opportunities. The program aims to expose students to careers in the STEAM professions and to expand the pool of students from the Bronx underserved communities that graduate from high school and enter competitive colleges.

“Enrichment programs like the one offered by Einstein and DDC STEAM provide students not only with work experience but also a sense of what these careers entail. More importantly, they also can provide students with a network of professionals in the field. Mentors and others who can provide references for college and future jobs, stated Deputy Commissioner Lee Llambelis. “DDC’s STEAM program create opportunities for students to learn about the built environment, specifically Architecture, Construction and Engineering.”  

Dr. Nelly Maseda, a pediatrician and professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, stated, “I have the privilege, along with my colleagues, to offer enrichment opportunities to students from Aquinas, the Academy of Mount Saint Ursula, and Cardinal Hayes High School.  While the pursuit of a career in the field of medicine is what we hope they will dedicate themselves to, even for those choosing a STEAM path in fields like Architecture, Construction and Engineering, we hope to offer opportunities that will be of benefit to their education and future careers.”

Bronx HOPE's Health Professions High School Enrichment Program aims to expand the pool of students from Bronx underserved communities who graduate from high school and enter competitive colleges to pursue health professions careers. The year-long program includes:

• SAT Preparation
• Tour of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine
•  Clinical Exposure
• Medical Simulation Workshop
• Mentorship by Einstein medical students

Since launching in 2014, DDC STEAM has engaged more than 2,000 students from middle school to college in STEAM programming. In addition to the Young Engineers Program, STEAM offers high school and college internships; enrichment programs geared towards middle schoolers; mentorship for students interested in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries; and Opportunity Academy, a career readiness program that supports minority-owned, woman-owned, and locally-based business enterprises.