Activity Specialist: STEM (La Central YMCA)

YMCA of Greater New York•Bronx, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of Greater New York is seeking an Activity Specialist for the La Central YMCA Afterschool program, including Holiday Camps. This role is responsible for providing academic enhancement and enrichment in a safe and positive environment for school-age children. The Activity Specialist will prepare and deliver age-appropriate STEM instruction, fostering learning, interaction, and personal growth. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to support children's learning, build strong connections, and make a positive impact in the community, while gaining invaluable leadership and interpersonal experience.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the specific discipline of science, technology, engineering, or math.
Direct experience working with children under the age of 13.
Content expert in the designated subject matter.
General knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

Nice To Haves

College credits and formal education in a related field are preferred.
Preference is given to individuals who are already experts in their field (e.g., engineers, programmers, scientists, etc.) or college or graduate students working toward such specialization.

Responsibilities

Prepare and deliver age-appropriate STEM instruction for school-aged children.
Design a comprehensive STEM curriculum using detailed lesson plans with clear, measurable goals and objectives.
Ensure all lessons are project-based, encouraging hands-on learning and practical application of scientific and mathematical principles.
Incorporate diverse STEM subjects, including potential projects in coding, robotics, engineering challenges, science experiments, data analysis, or related fields like chess and strategy games.
Support the Program Director in securing necessary materials, equipment, and technological needs.
Plan for all logistical and safety considerations inherent in science and engineering projects.
Include scalable activities and modifications to accommodate varying skill levels and learning paces.
Integrate methods for both formal and informal assessment to track participants’ progress and engagement.
Work with participants to prepare them for an end-of-cycle showcase where they will present their work.
Guide participants in selecting and finishing pieces for display and assist with the organization and set-up of the event.
Lead and facilitate daily STEM activities, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment.
Actively use activities to support the development of teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and foundational academic skills.
Provide opportunities for participants to research, discuss, and innovate around local and global scientific and technological issues.
Integrate foundational literacy skills (i.e., reading instructions, writing reports, and research) into projects.
Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all participants.
Create and maintain a strength-based, youth-focused atmosphere that is consistent and sensitive to the needs of participants with learning, emotional, or behavioral differences.
Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants by providing appropriate supervision at all times.
Work cooperatively with Afterschool Group Leaders, professional staff, teachers, other programs, and school staff.
Adhere to all Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH), YMCA of Greater New York, school partner, and funder standards, expectations, and regulations.
Maintain accurate program documentation (sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, and incident reports, as appropriate).
Serve as a positive role model for participants.
Understand and communicate the YMCA’s core values and the goals of the Y Afterschool Program to participants and caregivers.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents/guardians and caregivers through regular communication about their child’s strengths and areas for growth.
Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.