BronxWorks Celebrates STEM Programs for Youth at Melrose Community Center

On July 28, NYCHA’s Melrose Classic Community Center hosted a summer culminating event for BronxWorks’ science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming for youth.  

The STEM Expo event celebrated an enrichment program, funded by Verizon Wireless, which helped to bridge the digital gap for youths in the Bronx, allowing them to learn about robotics, STEM skills, and problem solving.  

Hundreds of elementary- and middle school-aged children from BronxWorks’ summer camp programs gathered at the Melrose Houses center for a day of hands-on activities involving music production, building and engineering, and math challenges. Verizon Wireless provided the funds to the BronxWorks social service organization to engage participants from its Children and Youth Department in STEM-focused education.  

“The impact of funding STEM programming is both immediate and far-reaching,” explained Eileen Torres, BronxWorks Executive Director. “Every day in our afterschool and summer programs, during every STEM lesson, we see these lightbulb moments where our participants are figuring out that these subjects are within their reach, and that they are realistic to pursue. BronxWorks is proud of what our programs and participants have accomplished through the Verizon Digital Inclusion Grant.”  

At the July 28 celebration, the young residents showcased a variety of activities learned from STEM and arts programs from local organizations, including the Salvadori Center, HYPOTHEkids, and Building Beats.  

BronxWorks summer camp youth explore building and engineering and music production activities during the STEM Expo at the Melrose Classic Community Center (photos courtesy of BronxWorks).