Iridescent and U.S. Office of Naval Research Launch Science Center in New York

The Los Angeles-based science-education nonprofit Iridescent and the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR) launched their newest installment of the Science Studio in New York City on November 4th, 2010. Check out this video to see what it's all about! www.youtube.com/watch 

The studio offers New York City students and parents the opportunity to learn alongside science and technology experts from local institutions using interactive and hands-on learning activities.

The studio opened its doors with a street science festival, attracting approximately 1,500 students from 31 schools in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx. Led by engineers from NASA, The Cooper Union, Columbia University, New York Hall of Science, BioBus, Sea Perch, GreenFab and many others, the fair included exhibits, science experiments and design contests for families. 

 Check out event pics in the  Photo Gallery Here!

“The Iridescent Science Studio has the power to transform not only this neighborhood but the lives of all the children and parents who walk through its doors,” said Iridescent founder and Chief Executive Tara Chklovski. “Given the astounding number of attendees today, Iridescent—along with the Office of Naval Research, Cooper Union and Columbia University—knows it has tapped into an area of great need and interest in this community. We look forward to providing great learning opportunities and interactions every day to create a legion of New York City students who want to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers.”

Today’s festival included a ribbon cutting and speaking program with national and local leaders, including Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus; Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Nevin Carr; Congressman José E. Serrano (D-The Bronx); Harlem Children’s Zone President and CEO Geoffrey Canada; and Deputy Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education Santiago Taveras.

“The Navy and Marine Corps have a stake in strengthening the future science and engineering workforce,” said Navy Secretary Mabus. “Our investment in programs like Iridescent demonstrates our commitment toward improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics education for students across the country. This program is transforming the lives of children who might not otherwise be exposed to the wonders of technology and innovation.”

Over the past four years, Iridescent has trained more than 330 engineers, reaching almost 5,500 underserved children and parents in Los Angeles, San Francisco and, more recently, New York City. Iridescent offers students and parents opportunities for after-school and weekend science discovery through its Engineers as Teachers Program, Family Science Program, Technovation Challenge Program, Summer Engineering Bootcamp, Iridescent Science Studios and Parent Leadership Program. Iridescent Studio is located in the landmark building, The BankNote, at 890 Garrison Ave. in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx. The building was formerly the home of The American Bank Note Company, built in 1909.

“The Navy and Marine Corps have a stake in strengthening the future science and engineering workforce,” said Secretary Mabus. “Our investment in programs like Iridescent demonstrates our commitment toward improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics education for students across the country. This program is transforming the lives of children who might not otherwise be exposed to the wonders of technology and innovation.

“It’s all about the love of learning,” said Iridescent Founder & CEO Tara Chklovski, 32,who was pursuing a doctorate in aerodynamics at USC (where she now works as an instructor) four years ago when her ideas on science education took flight. "Our partners, such as ONR, have allowed Iridescent to scale up to meet the needs of a greater number of students and families who can benefit from engaging science content and interaction with such powerful community mentors."

Iridescent Studios focus is on training mentors to communicate research effectively to the public, and the emphasis of hands-on training from mentors to students, while having parents participate in the experience. The Studios’ mission is to help scientists, engineers, and professionals bring science, technology and engineering to underprivileged minority children and their families.

"The Iridescent Studios, with strong origin and continuing ties from USC, embody and support our Engineering+™ initiative," says USC Viterbi School of Engineering Dean Yannis Yortsos. "K-12 outreach is an essential, if not critical, part of the mission of engineering schools in this country, and the Viterbi School is proud to contribute in this dimension."

Read the Los Angeles Times story about the opening of the Iridescent Los Angeles studio

About Iridescent: Iridescent's mission is to foster curiosity and inspire self-confidence in young people with limited access—unlocking doors to their future and preparing them to help solve the world's most pressing issues. To do so, its programs use a three-pronged strategy of teaching about cutting edge science, using powerful mentors and enlisting strong parental involvement. Over the last four years, Iridescent has trained more than 300 engineers reaching more than 5500 underserved children and parents in Los Angeles, San Francisco and, now, New York. For more information, visit www.iridescentlearning.org.          

About the Office of Naval Research: The Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.