BY JASON COHEN
A nonprofi t that provides
STEM (science,
technology, engineering
and math) education to
youth from underprivileged
backgrounds in
New York City is looking
to expand its reach
to the Bronx.
In 2017, Queensbased
nonprofi t Project
Petals launched its
Youth Builders Program,
which teaches
young adults about architecture,
engineering,
urban planning
and design.
With accredited volunteers
who meet with
students every week,
it has been quite a success,
according to
Founder and President
Alicia White. While the
program has been virtual
since the pandemic
arrived, new students
from Bronx Design and
Construction Academy
and Mott Haven Academy
have participated.
With its fall mentorship
program beginning
Nov. 17, White is
encouraging Bronxites
to sign up.
White explained to
the Bronx Times that
many kids don’t have
opportunities to study
STEM and face challenges
including a lack
of technology at home
or in school and are unsure
about college or
employment. The goal
is for Builders to change
this perception.
“A lot of them don’t
know they can have
a career they are passionate
about,” she said.
“The main benefi t of
signing up for this program
is having mentor
and a community that
is providing resources
for them to succeed.”
Ultimately, White
said that the program
aims to help puts youths
on the right path. For
some teens, no one in
their family has gone to
college, so the thought
to pursue higher education
might not cross
their minds. On the
other hand, many
young people want to
go but need help with
the process.
“Being on the street
is not your only option,”
she said. “When
I was younger I could
have used a program
like this.”
On more than one occasion,
White recalled
parents pulling her
aside to thank her for
the impact Builders has
had on their children.
“That shows the program
is actually working,”
she said.
To sign up for the
Youth Builder Program,
go to www.projectpetals.
org/youthbuilders
program. To
sign up to be a mentor,
visit www.projectpetals.
org/project-petalsbuilders
program.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE
WHEN YOU SHOW UP?
You’re full of potential and eager to get ahead, but one thing’s
missing—your college degree. Whether you took a break
after high school or you stopped out of college with less than
45 credits, earning your Associate Degree now through
the NYU School of Professional Studies Division of Applied
Undergraduate Studies can change your life!
From the first day you step into our classrooms, you’ll benefit
from a broad-based liberal arts education and learn applicable
work-related skills in a highly supportive environment, while
building your confidence and benefiting from a wealth of
university and career development resources.
New affordable tuition—comparable to that of your local
community college—makes a world-class NYU education
attainable. Upon completing your Associate Degree, you may
choose to continue and earn your Bachelor’s Degree with us.
ATTEND A VIRTUAL INFO. SESSION
Tuesday, November 17, 7 p.m.
sps.nyu.edu/appliedUG/events04
CHOOSE FROM PROGRAMS IN:
REGISTER
Business, Health Administration, Information Systems Management, Liberal Arts
New York University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution. ©2020 NYU School of Professional Studies.
BRONX TIMES REPORTER,20 NOVEMBER 13-19, 2020 BTR
For information: visit
sps.nyu.edu/appliedUG/associates04
or call 212-998-7100
FLEXIBILITY FOR SPRING 2021
Students who will be applying to the Division of Applied Undergraduate
Studies for Spring 2021 can study in New York City OR
enroll in a degree that is offered online OR if unable to attend
in-person in NYC in the spring, begin their degree remotely and
join us on campus in Fall 2021.
Note: Certain restrictions and requirements may apply for
international students.
You can do this, we can help!
* Bachelor’s degree programs available for those who have
earned 45 transferable college credits or more.
Students participating in the Builders program at Project
Petals. Photos courtesy of Project Petals
Bringing STEM to
Bronx students
Queens-based nonprofi t looks to
expand its reach to the borough
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