Partnering with the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), an interactive science center located in Queens, N.Y., the Cognizant U.S. Foundation hosted a STEM career night on October 30 for local high school and college students interested in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The event, Exploring the Tech Workforce, was the first of several STEM Career Nights to be hosted by NYSCI and the Cognizant U.S. Foundation.

Event highlights included the Cognizant U.S. Foundation announcing a new $500,000 grant to NYSCI. The grant will fund initiatives to inspire and prepare the next generation of students pursuing STEM studies and careers, and will support NYSCI’s Science Career Ladder program and STEM exploration events for an estimated 1,000 local youths and their families over the coming year. In addition, the grant will also support STEM career exploration events and more STEM Career Nights.

Featuring a panel of experts, including representatives from Princeton University, Long Island University, New York Venture Council, and Cognizant, the STEM Career Night focused on providing young adults with insights into possible fields of study in preparing for STEM careers.  The need for soft skill development, such as interpersonal communications, work ethic, and self-presentation, was also emphasized. Students had the opportunity to meet with representatives from companies such as IBM and NBCUniversal during a networking session that followed.

“NYSCI’s programs are playing an important role in educating young people and ultimately diversifying the technology workforce—an imperative of the Cognizant U.S. Foundation,” said Carol Cohen, founding board member of the Cognizant U.S. Foundation, and Senior Vice President and Global Head of Talent Management, Leadership Development, and People Analytics, at Cognizant. “Cognizant and our employees in the region have long supported the important work that NYSCI does for families across the city. We look forward to this grant increasing NYSCI’s community impact.”

Click here to read more about the grant and NYSCI’s programming.