As many of you know, I’m passionate about inspiring the next generation of innovators. Why? Technology now permeates every aspect of our lives and touches nearly all industries and careers. Tech-savvy, scientifically literate leaders will be uniquely positioned to drive responsible innovation and deliver much-needed progress. Conversely, those without these skills risk being left behind, missing critical opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
There are countless ways to engage young minds in science and technology. Here are a few programs that I find especially inspiring — ones that embody the spirit of curiosity, creativity, and dedication required to shape a better future.
Design, Make, Play for Young Learners
One of my favorite places for sparking curiosity is the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI). This interactive science center blends education with hands-on play and creativity, making science accessible and fun for young minds. Located in Queens, New York, NYSCI serves its diverse local community by offering design challenges and opportunities to engineer solutions to real-world problems.
Watching young kids dive into interactive exhibits about math, bubbles, and connected worlds with wide eyes is a reminder of the pure excitement science can inspire. The “Explainers” program is particularly compelling: high school and college students guide young visitors through exhibits and experiments, creating a multi-generational chain of learning.
NYSCI also hosts school field trips, engages teachers in professional development, and provides mentoring opportunities for teens. Its upcoming CityWorks exhibition promises to prepare visitors to contribute to decisions shaping the future of their cities.
High School Science Research
Science research programs immerse high school students in hands-on, independent research on wide-ranging topics such as molecular biology, cybersecurity, and astronomy. Guided by professional mentors, students generate hypotheses, apply the scientific method, analyze data, and present their work to experts.
A few years ago, my daughter participated in her high school’s science research program. I saw firsthand how these experiences build not only knowledge but confidence. Students who once felt unsure about their ideas become advocates for their research, learning how to navigate critique and feedback, persevere in the face of challenge, and discover their own potential to make meaningful contributions to science and society.
The prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) recognizes and empowers exemplary young scientists. As a member of the Regeneron Board, I’m particularly proud of Regeneron’s commitment to science and innovation and to nurturing young talent.
Undergraduate Education
Colleges and universities are also taking actions to make STEM more accessible to students of all backgrounds and interests. At Yale, I recently launched a new engineering course, Disruptive Technologies and Responsible Innovation, to help bridge the STEM and non-STEM divide. In a world where technology touches every field, it’s essential that all students — not just engineering majors — learn to engage with it thoughtfully and critically.
In this course, we explore four key disruptive technologies: microchips, GPS, CRISPR, and generative AI. We don’t just cover the technical “how” of these innovations; we also examine the human side — the stories of inventors and collaborators, the use cases and patent battles, and the societal impacts.
My goal is for students to understand both the technology itself and the broader ecosystem that surrounds it, from economic and political implications to ethical considerations. I hope they’ll leave class with ideas they are eager to share over Thanksgiving dinner, sparking discussions about what responsible innovation really means. Whatever paths they pursue, these bright and ambitious students will be prepared to thoughtfully engage with technical topics and navigate the tradeoffs involved.
More Inspiring Initiatives
Many other programs inspire future innovators, including:
- Pathways in Technology (P-TECH): A public-private partnership model started by IBM that combines high school, college, and career training, P-TECH helps students, particularly from underserved backgrounds, prepare for STEM careers. Students graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree, along with the skills and experience needed to enter the workforce.
- Olin College of Engineering: Olin‘s project-based approach to engineering education emphasizes creative problem-solving, collaboration, and hands-on experience from day one, preparing students to tackle real-world challenges.
- AnitaB.org: The annual Grace Hopper Celebration is one of the most inspiring gatherings for women in computing. It’s a space where students, academics, and industry professionals come together to celebrate achievements and support one another. Other AnitaB.org programs include mentoring, research, and education, all crucial for creating a more diverse and inclusive STEM community.
A Call to Action
Each of these programs inspires future scientists, engineers, and innovators. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world challenges, they offer students a pathway to discover their interests, build skills, and become the science-savvy leaders our world needs.
Nurturing science literacy isn’t just a “nice-to-have” — it’s essential. By supporting these initiatives, we can broaden their reach, scale their impact, and ensure the next generation is prepared to tackle the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
