Regeneron Volunteers Build Outdoor STEM Learning Pathway at BOCES

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, hundreds of Regeneron employees rolled up their sleeves last week to transform part of the BOCES campus into an outdoor STEM learning oasis. This ambitious project, the STEM-Fueled Discovery Pathway, promises to ignite curiosity and foster a love for science among students throughout the region. This monumental effort saw hundreds of Regeneron employees dedicate a full week to transforming a significant portion of the Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES campus in Yorktown Heights into an ADA-accessible outdoor STEM learning pathway, designed to make science education more accessible and engaging for students across the entire region.

The groundbreaking ceremony for this transformative initiative took place on October 19th, marking the official start of a week-long volunteer effort. More than 300 dedicated Regeneron volunteers were on-site, meticulously constructing the 1,200-foot trail and its various interactive learning stations. Simultaneously, another 180 employees demonstrated their commitment by assembling 500 take-home STEM kits, ensuring that the spirit of scientific discovery could extend beyond the campus grounds and into students' homes.

This project is a cornerstone of Regeneron’s 10th annual Day for Doing Good, a global volunteer initiative that mobilizes employees to support vital organizations within their communities. What began in 2017 with approximately 3,600 volunteers participating in 227 projects has grown exponentially. This year, the company anticipated an astounding 7,000-plus employees volunteering across 13 countries, collectively contributing more than 27,000 hours to nearly 500 diverse projects worldwide.

The impact within our local Westchester County Government is particularly profound. Approximately 3,000 Regeneron employees were expected to volunteer with 120 organizations during the week, underscoring the company's deep commitment to its hometown. The Discovery Pathway is one of several significant projects undertaken to commemorate the initiative’s 10th anniversary, with Regeneron employees at its Rensselaer location also developing a companion pathway at Saratoga Spa State Park, extending their positive reach across the state.

A Partnership Forged in Community

The enduring partnership between Regeneron and BOCES is not a recent development; it began approximately five years ago when a Regeneron scientist and colleagues first brought volunteers to the campus. Since that initial collaboration, employees have consistently worked alongside BOCES staff on various projects focused on environmental education and crucial campus improvements, building a foundation of trust and shared purpose.

As Regeneron’s 10th Day for Doing Good approached, discussions between the two organizations naturally evolved towards creating something with a lasting legacy. These conversations blossomed into the vision for the STEM-Fueled Discovery Pathway, a permanent fixture that would continue to benefit students long after the annual volunteer week concluded. BOCES educators, already committed to expanding outdoor learning, saw this as a powerful amplification of their existing efforts to create trails, gardens, and hands-on environmental education areas.

A critical aspect of the pathway's design is its unwavering commitment to accessibility. Every inch of the 1,200-foot trail and each interactive learning station was meticulously planned to accommodate students using wheelchairs and other mobility devices. This inclusive approach ensures that students of all abilities can participate fully in activities together, fostering a truly equitable learning environment and embodying the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The pathway itself is a marvel of educational design, featuring a diverse array of stations that seamlessly connect classroom lessons with the natural environment. The Woodland Mathematics & Measurement Station, for instance, will empower students to measure trees, collect vital data, and explore the fascinating mathematical patterns inherent in forest ecosystems. This hands-on approach brings abstract concepts to life, making learning both tangible and exciting.

Another captivating station, aptly named Nature’s Engineers, will delve into the intricate worlds of insects, diverse habitats, and how natural systems inspire human innovations. The Sensory Science Exploration Area encourages students to engage all their senses – sound, touch, and keen observation – to investigate their surroundings, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world. These stations are designed to spark curiosity and encourage critical thinking, key components of any robust STEM education.

Further along the pathway, students will have the unique opportunity to study wildlife and environmental conditions near a vital vernal pool habitat at the Environmental Investigation Station. A dedicated woodland classroom provides a serene and inspiring space for group lessons, collaborative discussions, and reflective learning. The development of these stations was a collaborative effort, benefiting from the invaluable input of educators and naturalists at BOCES’ Center for Environmental Education, alongside staff from other educational programs.

Igniting Future Generations

The pathway's reach extends far beyond the immediate BOCES student body. It is intended to serve students enrolled in BOCES programs as well as school districts throughout the region. The Center for Environmental Education already boasts an impressive network, working with more than 40 schools and educational organizations and reaching tens of thousands of students annually through its existing programs. The Discovery Pathway will only amplify this impact, providing a unique resource for environmental and scientific literacy.

While initial activity guides will focus on elementary school students from kindergarten through fifth grade, the pathway is designed with flexibility in mind. Its rich learning opportunities can be readily adapted for older students, ensuring its relevance and value for years to come. Schools will be able to arrange visits through the Center for Environmental Education, with options for independent exploration or guided activities led by experienced environmental educators, making it a versatile tool for learning.

BOCES officials emphasized that keeping the experience both accessible and affordable was a paramount consideration during the planning process. This is particularly crucial for schools that often face significant challenges such as transportation costs, staffing limitations, or accessibility issues when organizing field trips. By mitigating these barriers, the pathway ensures that more students, regardless of their school's resources, can benefit from this exceptional outdoor learning environment.

For Regeneron, this project is a powerful extension of its broader STEM-Fueled initiative, which is dedicated to supporting educational opportunities that encourage students to pursue careers in science and related fields. Christina Chan, Regeneron’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, articulated this vision during the October 19th groundbreaking ceremony, stating, “This pathway is an extension of STEM-Fueled, our collection of programs and partnerships that empowers young scientists to pursue bold ideas and brings STEM experiences to students and educators.”

Dan Novak, Assistant Director of Environmental Education and Sustainability at BOCES’ Center for Environmental Education, shared his profound anticipation for the pathway's true measure of success. “What I’m most looking forward to is seeing students use the pathway for the first time,” Novak remarked. “After months of planning and a week of incredible volunteer effort, the true measure of success won’t be the trail, structures, or stations themselves. It will be the students exploring, asking questions, making discoveries, and engaging with STEM in ways that spark curiosity and excitement.”

A Lasting Legacy for Our Community

For new residents joining our vibrant Village of Tarrytown community, it's essential to recognize that we thrive on strong local partnerships and a deep commitment to our children's future. This incredible project at Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES, spearheaded by our local powerhouse Regeneron, isn't just about a trail; it's a shining example of how our community, through dedicated corporate citizenship and educational vision, is building accessible, innovative learning opportunities right here in our backyard. It’s a testament to the American dream, where collaboration creates lasting value for generations to come, fostering a love of learning and a strong foundation for future success.

As the laughter and inquisitive questions of students soon fill the air along the STEM-Fueled Discovery Pathway, the anticipation of their explorations promises a bright future where learning knows no bounds. This project stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when a community, its businesses, and its educational institutions unite with a shared purpose: to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. It is a powerful investment in the minds that will shape our world, built on the solid ground of local commitment and shared values, much like the enduring strength of committed families that build strong communities.