Pfizer School of Science Marks Two Years of Impacting Communities

At Pfizer Headquarters in New York City, 60 eighth graders donned lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses. They set to work assembling Petrie dishes and microscopic swabs. They knew their discoveries might be small today, but there was a chance that one day, they could be scientists, or Pfizer colleagues.

At Pfizer School of Science, future scientists are encouraged every day. Now celebrating its second anniversary, Pfizer School of Science hosts middle school students from the New York City public school system multiple times a week.

Students learn about science topics like microbiology, immunology, and drug discovery from education staff. “They perform hands on experiments and explore diverse career opportunities as part of a career panel with colleague volunteers,” said Giovanna Tomat Kelly, Educational Program Director.

In one experiment facilitated by instructor Elizabeth Chang, the students examined bacteria off their phones and shoes under a microscope. “Ew! What is that?!” one student exclaimed after looking at a swab of her skin.

“I knew about Pfizer before from the COVID19 vaccine, but Pfizer School of Science is really cool,” said one eighth grader. “This building is amazing. It has tons of gadgets, and it feels like real science. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience. You’re interacting so close with science, which is all around us.”

Pfizer School of Science was launched to spark interest in the subject at an early age, and to expose children to many different careers in the life sciences. The program has grown in the past two years, reaching more than 14,000 students. Stephen Fascianella, Sr. Director, NYHQ Site Engagement Lead, said that demand for field trips has been tremendous.

“We bring in students from around the city, with different levels of need and ability. Teachers tell other teachers; principals tell other principals. Now we have a waitlist,” said Stephen. “Even if it’s just one kid a year who’s going to be a future scientist or business leader as a result of coming to this program, and who knows, maybe they’ll make a major discovery one day that makes it all worth it.”

Instructor Nathaniel Garcia, a vaccine scientist, said working with Pfizer School of Science has been the most gratifying journey in his career.

“When a student who wasn’t necessarily interested in science or didn’t know what a scientist does approaches me at the end of a lesson and says, ‘I didn’t know what a scientist was, but now I want to be one’ – that’s a beautiful moment,” said Nathaniel.

The program’s influence is expanding beyond New York City borders. It's brought curriculum to cities across the country, and Stephen regularly advises sites around the world about how to build science outreach programs of their own. Pfizer School of Science hosts a variety of family events for NYHQ colleagues and recently created Science2Go, a series of portable science kits that allows NYHQ colleagues to bring the science to their communities.

Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla expressed his support for the growing experience.

“For more than 175 years, we’ve made it our mission to advance science and make life changing progress to help people live longer, healthier lives,” Albert said. “Our vision is to awaken students to the endless possibilities a career in the life sciences can achieve, and to reinforce Pfizer’s commitment to New York City and science education. Through Pfizer School of Science, we’re making it happen.”