Science Career Ladder

Elevating Scientists and Educators: Science Career Ladder Turns 20!

Don’t understand a concept? Ask an Explainer! Want to see something cool? Watch an Explainer demo! Can’t find the Science Playground entrance? Ask an Explainer!

Complete with extensive knowledge about science, intimate familiarity of the Hall and their signature red aprons, Hall Explainers provide a valuable service to visitors. Explainers are part of a renowned program that continues to evoke pride and enthusiasm for careers in science and education.

Created in 1986, the Science Career Ladder (SCL) is celebrating its 20th anniversary. “It’s called a ‘ladder’ because Explainers can climb into positions of high responsibility and leadership,” said Preeti Gupta, the Hall’s vice president of education. She should know: Ms. Gupta began her career in 1989 as an Explainer, ultimately climbing the ladder to the top rung.

“It’s unique,” she said, “in that it’s one of the largest programs consisting of paid floor staff in the nation.” Recently, the Noyce Foundation awarded a grant to the Hall to replicate the SCL nation- wide in eight other science centers. (Previous efforts similar to this have resulted in the program being replicated in more than 20 museums.) The Hall is also leading a major project funded by the National Science Foundation, partner- ing with City College of New York, to nurture Explainers to become science teachers. Explainers will receive customized coursework throughout their college years.

The SCL was originally developed to address the drastic shortage of women and minorities in science and teaching careers. The program offers leadership and employment opportunities, broadening science learning for underserved students. More than 1,800 students have partici- pated in the program thus far.

The ladder is a progression of knowledge and responsibility, with the ultimate goal of producing employed, trained and mentored Explainer floor staff. Middle school students are recruited as Public Program Assistants, who help children and adults create science-related arts and crafts and assist with special events. High school and college students become Explainers, paid staff that work up to 20 hours per week. It’s in this visible role where Explainers ensure an enjoyable and meaningful experience for visitors. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed. In studies conducted at the Hall, visitors have consistently placed interaction with Explainers at the top of their list of factors that make their experience most enjoyable.

For more information on the Explainer program, contact Jennifer Correa at 718.699.0005 ext. 345 or jcorrea@nyscience.com. There are also positions available for Public Program Assistants, who help with youth group sleepovers, special weekend events, activities and the Preschool Place. For more information on the PPA program, call 718.699.0005 ext. 387 or e-mail dramrattan@ nyscience.org.