COMMON MAPS
Map version new-york activity top-down
Main site Contact
Menu
↑ parent activity group ·
research dossier

NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE
CORONA, NY · EIN 112104059 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE A570 · Arts, Culture & Humanities · Large ($10M-$50M) · nysci.org
revenue
$24.8M
expenses
$28.7M
net assets
$43.6M
employees
339
volunteers
136
program ratio
82%
mission · from form 990

THE NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE (NYSCI) IS NEW YORK CITY'S PREMIER INTERACTIVE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE

profile · synthesized from sources

The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is New York City's only hands-on science and technology center, offering interactive exhibits and STEM learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Located in Queens, it serves hundreds of thousands annually through inquiry-based programs, including after-school activities, youth workforce pathways, and educator training. The museum also conducts research in informal STEM education and develops digital tools and curricula to advance science learning equity.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024

What they reported doing

  1. #1 primary $8.18M
    MUSEUM EXPERIENCES:NYSCI IS NEW YORK CITY'S ONLY HANDS-ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER, WELCOMING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF VISITORS ANNUALLY. IN FY25, NYSCI CONTINUED TO PROVIDE DYNAMIC, INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCES THROUGH MORE THAN 200 INTERACTIVE EXHIBITIONS, ALONG WITH LARGE-SCALE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES, HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS, DESIGN LAB ACTIVITIES, MAKER SPACE PROGRAMS, AND ACADEMIC CONVENINGS THAT BRING TOGETHER EDUCATORS, RESEARCHERS, AND STEM LEADERS.NYSCI OFFERS PROGRAMS THAT SERVE LEARNERS OF ALL AGES AND LEVELS OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST-FROM TODDLERS AND FAMILIES TO ADULT LEARNERS AND EMERGING STEM PROFESSIONALS. SIGNATURE INITIATIVES INCLUDE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY; YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND WORKFORCE PATHWAYS THAT PROVIDE PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT AND MENTORSHIP FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS AS EXPLAINERS, WHO FACILITATE INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCES ON THE MUSEUM FLOOR; THE FAMILY ACCESS INITIATIVE, WHICH EXPANDS ACCESS TO INCLUSIVE PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES FOR NEURODIVERSE LEARNERS AND THEIR FAMILIES; AND THE ANNUAL STEM EXPO, WHICH CONNECTS YOUTH TO EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS.
  2. #2 $4.32M
    EDUCATION:THE NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE (NYSCI) ADVANCES EDUCATIONAL EQUITY BY DESIGNING LEARNING EXPERIENCES THAT ARE CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE, COMMUNITY-INFORMED, AND ACCESSIBLE TO LEARNERS OF ALL BACKGROUNDS. THROUGH STRUCTURED PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND FAMILIES AND MULTI-YEAR LEARNING PATHWAYS, NYSCI SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTIFIC LITERACY, PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY, COLLABORATION, AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS ESSENTIAL FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND LONG-TERM SUCCESS.AS A CONTINUING TEACHER AND LEADER EDUCATION (CTLE)-CERTIFIED PROVIDER APPROVED BY NYSED, NYSCI OFFERS CUSTOMIZED WORKSHOPS AND ON-SITE COACHING THAT EQUIP EDUCATORS WITH STEM CONTENT KNOWLEDGE, PEDAGOGICAL TOOLS, AND CURRICULUM MATERIALS ALIGNED WITH STATE AND NATIONAL STANDARDS. PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS SUCH AS THE PRE-K STEM ENRICHMENT, URBAN ADVANTAGE AND THE KERLIN EARLY CHILDHOOD STEAM INSTITUTE WITH BANK STREET COLLEGE ENABLES NYSCI TO REACH HUNDREDS OF EDUCATORS - FROM PARAPROFESSIONALS TO NEW TEACHERS EVERY YEAR.IN ADDITION TO OUR PRE-K STEM ENRICHMENT PROGRAM THAT FOCUSES ON EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNERS AND THEIR FAMILIES, ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS AND CAMPS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR THAT ARE DESIGNED TO ENGAGE THEM IN HANDS-ON INVESTIGATIONS AND INQUIRY DRIVEN LEARNING ROOTED IN REAL WORLD CONTEXTS. THESE PROGRAMS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO USE LABORATORY TOOLS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES SUCH AS BRAIN COMPUTING INTERFACES TO CREATE EEG HEADSETS AND BUILD FOUNDATIONAL STEM COMPETENCIES WHILE ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO DEVELOP SOLUTIONS TO REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS THAT MATTER TO THEM. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN CREDIT BEARING APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM TO LEARN AND PRACTICE TEACHING SCIENCE TO YOUNGER STUDENTS AT NYSCI OR OTHER DESIGNATED COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS.NYSCI ALSO WORKS CLOSELY WITH LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 24, TO ENSURE PROGRAMS REFLECT EVOLVING COMMUNITY PRIORITIES. THROUGH COORDINATED PLANNING GROUPS AND ONGOING NEEDS ASSESSMENTS, NYSCI CO-DESIGNS INITIATIVES THAT RESPOND TO SCHOOL AND FAMILY NEEDS SUCH AS PARENT ORIENTATION WORKSHOPS, EDUCATOR OPEN HOUSE EVENTS, THE DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE CURRICULA SUCH AS OUR STEAM STORIES AND STEAMPLAY ACTIVITY GUIDES. A STANDING FAMILY ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMPOSED OF LOCAL PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS PROVIDES REGULAR INPUT TO GUIDE PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL PRACTICES.
named programs · 7 · from sources

What they call their work

Family Access Initiative
Program expanding access to inclusive STEM programs and resources for neurodiverse learners and their families
Museum Experiences
Interactive exhibits, workshops, and immersive experiences including Connected Worlds, Design Lab, and Rocket Park Mini Golf, serving hundreds of thousands of visitors annually
Pre-K STEM Enrichment
Early childhood STEM program for preschoolers and their families, developed in partnership with Bank Street College
Research and Development
Learning science research conducted by doctorate-level scientists to inform exhibit and program design, funded by federal agencies and private supporters
STEM Expo
Annual event connecting youth to educational and career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
Urban Advantage
Partnership program supporting middle school science education through hands-on learning experiences and teacher training
Youth Development and Workforce Pathways
Program providing part-time employment and mentorship for high school and college students as museum explainers
activities · 6 groups

What they do

  • Hands-On STEM Education Programs 1 activity
    • Delivering civic and classroom-based science education programs
      Implements multi-year civic science education initiatives such as "Your Light and Air," a five-year program connecting science learning to community impact in middle school classrooms. Co-designs and delivers STEAM curricula with partner Pre-K centers, including space science integration projects like "Astro Belt." Offers hands-on quantum science activities—such as Emotion Detector, Polarization Collage, Cardboard Double-Slit Model, and Quantum Cryptography with Caesar Ciphers—for both museum and classroom use.
  • Children's Themed Birthday Parties 1 activity
    • Hosting community and family events
      Hosts birthday parties with hands-on science activities, themed learning labs, and exhibit access for children aged 3–8 and older. Offers free general admission every Friday from 2–5pm and hosts annual events such as the STEM Career Expo and Space Day Celebration featuring NASA astronauts. Participated in the Elmhurst Corona Resource Collaborative during the pandemic, hosting food drives, medical clinics, and special events reaching tens of thousands.
  • Sensory-Inclusive Programming and Support 1 activity
    • Providing inclusive access and sensory-friendly programming
      Offers targeted accommodations and programming for neurodiverse visitors and families, including weekly Saturday Sensory Hour with reduced lighting and sound, free sensory-sensitive backpacks with headphones and fidget tools, social narrative cards, Visual Activity Guides, and video modeling resources. Hosted a sensory room on specific dates and operates Preschool Place, a dedicated space for children under 6. Also implements the Family Access Initiative in partnership with schools serving neurodiverse learners.
  • Youth Workforce Readiness Programs 1 activity
    • Running youth STEM education and workforce development programs
      Operates the Science Career Ladder program, which hires high school and college students as Explainers, providing paid employment, professional mentorship, STEM learning, college preparation, and career development activities. The program has supported over 4,000 participants, with 95% going on to college and 70% entering STEM careers. Also runs youth co-design internships, including summer research at Columbia University on AI concepts, and offers career-focused events such as STEM Nights and College Readiness Workshops.
  • Teacher Professional Development 1 activity
    • Supporting teacher professional development and STEM capacity building
      Provides CTLE-certified workshops, on-site coaching, summer institutes, and monthly cohort meetings to support K–12 educators in implementing STEM curricula aligned with state and national standards. Co-designs and pilots civic science and quantum science curricula with teachers in New York City and Chicago, and produces teacher-friendly versions of hands-on activities using accessible materials and documentation. Conducts school visits and lesson observations to support instructional growth.
  • Uncategorized 2 activities
    • Conducting research on STEM learning and inclusive design
      Conducts research on inclusive exhibit design and evaluates educational tools such as a digital game integrating computational thinking into middle school science curricula. Research efforts are integrated with program development to assess efficacy and improve accessibility and engagement in informal STEM learning environments.
    • Operating interactive science exhibits and public programming
      Operates more than 450 interactive science exhibits, including permanent and seasonal installations such as Connected Worlds, CityWorks, Powering the City, Design Lab, Makerspace, Rocket Park Mini Golf, Science Playground, and Human Plus, offering hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Also hosts daily science demonstrations, movie screenings (e.g., "T. Rex" in 3D), and rotating art-science exhibitions like Imaging Women in the Space Age and Finding the Window.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$24.82M
Contributions & grants$18.92M76%
Program service revenue$2.64M11%
Investment income$298K1%
Other revenue$2.97M
expenses
Total expenses$28.68M
Program expenses82%
Admin / overhead15%
Fundraising3%
Salaries & benefits$14.31M
Grants paid out$1.14M
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$51.42M
Cash$3.56M
Investments$10.80M
Liabilities$7.86M
Net assets$43.56M
Liquid reserves6.0 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +11.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

paid leadership · 11
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
MINERVA TANTOCO INTERIM PRES. & CEO, THRU 10/2024 35 $375K
APRIL DRUMMOND CFO 35 $321K
CHRISTOPHER EBE CHIEF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEV. OFF. 35 $319K
KATHERINE MCMILLAN CULP CHIEF LEARNING OFFICER 35 $283K
KIRYN HOFFMAN CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER 35 $270K
PRIYA MOHABIR CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER 35 $233K
SYLVIA PEREZ SVP, EDUCATION SERVICES 35 $213K
LISA GUGENHEIM PRESIDENT & CEO, AS OF 09/2024 35 $171K
DANIEL M SAMANIEGO HR DIRECTOR 35 $154K
MARIANA G HAIRABEDIAN AVP, FINANCE 35 $150K
SAMUEL LITT IT DIRECTOR 35 $143K
board members · 14
  • AL BUNSHAFT — TRUSTEE
  • ALAN SINSHEIMER — TRUSTEE
  • ALEXANDRA ZUBKO — TRUSTEE
  • ANIL SHRIVASTAVA — TRUSTEE
  • ANNA M EWING — TRUSTEE, THRU 1/31/25
  • ATUL DUBEY — TRUSTEE
  • BRIDGET ENGLE — TRUSTEE, THRU 6/30/25
  • CHRISTOPHER DOROSZCZYK — TRUSTEE
  • DARIO GIL — TRUSTEE
  • DAVID CHUBAK — TRUSTEE, THRU 1/31/25
  • EDWARD D HOROWITZ — TRUSTEE
  • ELLEN S BAKER — TRUSTEE
  • FRANS JOHANSSON — VICE CHAIR
  • FREDERICK ROYALL III — TRUSTEE, THRU 6/30/25
relationships · 55

Who they work with

  • Alan J. Friedman Center For The Development Of Young Scientists Partner — Operates as a center within NYSCI focused on youth STEM development
  • American Express Funder — Provided major philanthropic support for NYSCI's modernization project.
  • American Institutes for Research Partner — Evaluates the impact of the Your Light and Air program on students and teachers.
  • Artificial and Natural Intelligence Institute at Columbia University Partner — Collaborates on public-facing AI education initiatives, including youth co-design of interactive exhibits and researcher engagement with community-informed design methods.
  • Association of Children’s Museums Network — Participates in the ACM Reciprocal Network, offering reciprocal benefits including 50% off general admission at 200 participating museums.
  • Association of Science and Technology Centers Network — Participates in the ASTC Passport Program, offering reciprocal free general admission at participating science centers and museums.
  • Bank Street College Partner — Partnership in the Kerlin Early Childhood STEAM Institute.
  • Big Show Construction Management Partner — Collaborated on the development of the Connected Worlds exhibit.
  • Brooklyn Children’s Museum Partner — Offers free reciprocal admission to NYSCI members.
  • Butter Beans Kitchen Partner — Cafe partner providing food and beverage services at NYSCI.
  • Chicago Public Schools Partner — Collaborates with NYSCI on co-designing and implementing the Your Light and Air curriculum.
  • Columbia University’s Center for International Earth Science Information Network Partner — Collaborated on the development of the Connected Worlds exhibit.
  • Con Edison Funder — Provided generous support for the Powering the City exhibit.
  • Cradle of Aviation Partner — Offers free reciprocal admission to NYSCI members.
  • Department of Education Funder — Provides research grants supporting NYSCI's investigations in informal STEM education.
  • Design I/O Partner — Collaborated on the development of the Connected Worlds exhibit.
  • Elmhurst Corona Resource Collaborative Coalition — Co-founded and continues to contribute to this collaborative effort of local nonprofits and community groups providing direct services and resources.
  • Golden Family Foundation Funder — Provided generous support for the Design Lab exhibit.
  • Google Inc. Funder — Provided generous support for the Connected Worlds exhibit.
  • Hudson River Museum Partner — Offers reciprocal visitation opportunities for NYSCI members on select dates.
  • Hudson River Museum Partner — Offers reciprocal visits on select dates to NYSCI members.
  • Intrepid Museum Partner — Offers free reciprocal admission to NYSCI members.
  • Liberty Science Center Partner — Offers reciprocal visitation opportunities for NYSCI members on select dates.
  • Liberty Science Center Partner — Offers reciprocal visits on select dates to NYSCI members.
  • NASA Partner — Collaborated with NASA astronauts, including Dr. Jeanette Epps, as expert advisors and guest visitors for early childhood space science programs.
  • NY Transit Museum Partner — Offers free reciprocal admission to NYSCI members.
  • NYC Department of Education Partner — Co-designed and implemented space science curriculum with Mosaic Pre-K centers across New York City.
  • National Grid Funder — Provided generous support for the Powering the City exhibit.
  • National Institutes of Health Funder — Provides research grants supporting NYSCI's investigations in informal STEM education.
  • National Science Foundation Funder — Provided generous support for the Connected Worlds and Human Plus exhibits.
+ 25 more
strategies · 5

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Culturally Responsive and Community Co-Design
    methodology: community_co_design
    By involving communities as equitable partners in the design of exhibits and programs, and grounding content in cultural context, the organization advances educational equity because it ensures relevance, accessibility, and ownership among diverse audiences.
  • Design Make Play Pedagogy
    methodology: design_make_play
    By engaging learners in open-ended, hands-on design and playful exploration, the organization fosters deep STEM learning, critical thinking, and civic engagement because this approach nurtures intrinsic motivation, agency, and real-world problem-solving skills.
  • Experiential and Open-Ended Inquiry Learning
    methodology: experiential_learning
    By using hands-on activities and open-ended experimentation that treat mistakes as part of discovery, the organization makes science accessible and memorable because active participation fosters deeper cognitive engagement and conceptual understanding.
  • Interest-Driven and Lived Experience Integration
    methodology: interest_driven_learning
    By anchoring science learning in individuals' personal interests and lived experiences, the organization increases engagement and relevance because learners are more motivated and able to connect abstract concepts to their own lives.
  • Youth Work-Based Learning Pathway
    methodology: work_based_learning
    By employing students as museum Explainers and integrating work experience with mentoring and college preparation, the organization builds STEM persistence and career readiness because authentic responsibility, professional mentorship, and real-world application strengthen identity and agency in science.