Experiential Engagement in STEM

Operates Enterprise America, a hands-on learning center where middle and high school students engage in career exploration and entrepreneurship within a simulated city environment located in the Broadcast and Education Center.

Utilizes over 1,000 volunteers in on-air auctions, event support, community ambassador roles, office administration, and educational programming at the Broadcast and Education Center.

Provides closed captioning for all PBS programming in compliance with FCC requirements and operates a radio reading service (“Read-Out”) for visually impaired audiences on Classic FM.

Hosts public forums such as the Syracuse Mayoral Debate and co-hosts documentary screenings with community organizations, including a discussion event for “Caregiving” with Upstate Oasis, to promote civic engagement.

Conducts annual on-air and in-person events including multi-day fundraisers, travel and phone auctions, documentary screenings, and community award recognitions such as the “Mission: Honor Our Heroes” event and the Classic FM Music Educator Awards.

Establishes and hosts a Community Advisory Board with biannual public meetings, both in person and virtual, including public comment periods to gather feedback on programming for WCNY TV and radio.

Operates four digital television channels and three digital radio stations (including Classic FM, Community FM, and HD jazz/oldies streams), serving over 1.8 million people across 19 counties via over-the-air, cable, fiber, satellite, and online platforms.

Produces and makes publicly available an annual report detailing local programming and community services provided by the organization.

Produces and records local high-definition programs such as “Ivory Tower,” “On the Money,” “Cycle of Health,” “Behind the Woman,” “Reading Buddies,” “CONNECT NY,” and “Gamechangers,” covering topics including health, education, and community issues, with on-demand streaming availability.

Hosts Centralcast Master Control, providing centralized broadcast operations and technical support for PBS stations in New York and other states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Hawaii.

Offers rentable spaces including a 2,075-square-foot gallery, 4,400-square-foot studios, 10,000-square-foot Education Center, 5,790-square-foot courtyard, and tech-equipped conference rooms, along with professional production services such as videography, audio recording, and editing with green screen capabilities.

Engages children and young adults in science, math, and technology fields via volunteer-led initiatives conducted in memory of Stephen K. Tompsett.

Provides year-round, project-based STEM education programs for K–12 students and families, including free in-school sessions, traveling education units, and bi-monthly learning modules. Offers free Water Environments Activity Kits to teachers and supports educators with no-cost resources and professional development.

Developing the Discovery Center of Science & Technology to expand access to science education for Central New Yorkers through new interactive exhibits and expanded programming.

Organizes annual team competitions in catapults, bridges, robotics, and rockets; hosts the CNY Science & Engineering Fair and SUNY ESF Summer Science Week. Facilitates career education sessions through partnerships such as the Amazon Workforce Discovery initiative to connect youth with STEM career pathways.

Provides field trip access to interactive exhibits including the Science Playhouse and STEAM Cafe for student groups of 10 or more, featuring hands-on science activities and ExploraDome shows. Programs are designed to support curriculum-aligned learning and group engagement.

Operates a 35,000-square-foot interactive science museum open Thursday through Sunday and during most school holidays, featuring permanent and temporary exhibits designed to engage learners of all ages. Offers free daily hands-on activities, sensory-friendly times, and accessibility accommodations including complimentary wheelchairs and a quiet Family Place area.

Operates a state-of-the-art planetarium and theatre featuring immersive visual and audio technology. Presents educational shows including "Syracuse Skies," "Mission: Moon," and "Animal Kingdom," with live presentations by science educators and content on astronomy, lunar exploration, and animal conservation.