STEM/STEAM Specialist – Afterschool Program

STEM/STEAM Specialist – Afterschool Program 

We hire for this position in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhattan. 

Openings vary across 30 sites throughout the school year. Our complete list is at nyjtl.org/aces-sites 

About New York Junior Tennis & Learning 

For over fifty years, New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) has honored its founder Arthur Ashe’s legacy by celebrating the diversity of children, encouraging them to reach their highest potential through free tennis and academic programs. NYJTL is the largest provider of youth tennis and education programs in the nation, providing services in 100 unique sites across all five boroughs while reaching nearly 90,000 kids. In addition, NYJTL designed, funded (with NYC), built and operates the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the South Bronx. All NYJTL community tennis and after school programs are offered at no cost to its participants.

The mission of NYJTL is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court. It believes life skills gained through tennis, academics, healthy living, and character development are a catalyst for long-term achievement.

Position Summary 

The STEM/STEAM Specialist will design and facilitate engaging, hands-on programming that introduces middle school students in grades 6–8 to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The specialist will encourage students to explore real-world challenges through experimentation, creative problem-solving, engineering projects, scientific investigations, and collaborative activities. Students will have opportunities to design, build, test, and present original projects while developing critical thinking, innovation, and teamwork skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate structured STEM/STEAM lessons, workshops, and hands-on projects.
• Introduce students to scientific concepts, engineering principles, technology, and mathematical applications.
• Design age-appropriate experiments, challenges, and activities that connect learning to real-world experiences.
• Guide students through the design process, including brainstorming, planning, building, testing, and improving projects.
• Incorporate creative arts and design into STEM activities to encourage innovation and interdisciplinary learning.
• Encourage curiosity, experimentation, critical thinking, and independent problem-solving.
• Facilitate collaborative challenges, group projects, competitions, and student presentations.
• Prepare students to showcase projects at STEM fairs, exhibitions, and program events.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and inclusive learning environment.
• Maintain accurate attendance and program documentation as required.

Schedule: Monday through Friday
Shifts scheduled between 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
(Start and end times may vary based on site assignment.)

Up to 20 hours per week.

Availability during these hours is required.

Selected candidates are expected to work the full school year through June 2027.

Additional Responsibilities 

• Complete 15 hours of professional development each calendar year. 
• Attend all meetings, training workshops and special events as required, inclusive of those outside of program hours.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.  

Curriculum & Activity Planning

• Design and implement sequential, project-based units and lesson plans in assigned specialty area.

• Align activities with program goals, youth interests, and DYCD/COMPASS-SONYC frameworks.
• Integrate social-emotional learning, teamwork, and youth leadership opportunities into activities.
• Prepare materials and supplies in advance; maintain an organized, safe activity space.

Facilitation & Youth Engagement

• Lead engaging, hands-on sessions that are inclusive and differentiated for various skill and grade levels.
• Establish clear expectations, routines, and positive behavior supports.
• Build strong relationships with youth; encourage participation, creativity, and persistence.
• Adapt activities as needed based on student responses, behavior, and feedback.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with Group Leaders, Tutors, and site leadership to coordinate schedules and support youth needs.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.
• Share progress, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement with supervisors.

Safety, Documentation, & Compliance

• Ensure youth safety and supervision at all times, following agency and DYCD policies.
• Assist with attendance, sign-in/out, and other basic documentation as required.
• Care for and inventory program equipment and supplies related to the specialty area.

Qualifications 

Required:

• Available during after-school hours, 2:00pm - 6:00pm, (20 hours per week not inclusive of meetings); Monday-Friday during the school year and some school holidays.
• 2 years' experience working with children or youth in group settings (after-school, camp, school, recreational program).
• Experience working with middle school or adolescent youth preferred.
• Demonstrated experience or knowledge in visual arts, fine arts, design, photography, or a related field.
• Knowledge of multiple artistic mediums and creative techniques preferred.
• Ability to develop age-appropriate art lessons and projects.
• Strong communication, classroom management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to encourage creativity and engage students of varying skill levels.
• Comfortable organizing student artwork and leading exhibitions or showcases.
• Must be dependable, professional, patient, and enthusiastic.
• High school diploma/GED required; college degree, formal art training, certification, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Ability to pass required background checks and comply with program policies and safety requirements.

Preferred:

• Some college coursework or degree in Education, Arts, Recreation, Youth Development, or related field.
• Experience in a DYCD-funded program or NYC after-school setting.
• Bilingual language skills.

Job Type 

• Part Time
• Monday - Friday, 2:00pm - 6:00pm 

Salary  

• $21.50 - 24.50 per hour