Chapter Spotlight: The Bronx High School of Science Democrats
By Sophie Araten: The Progressive Teen Staff Writer
Established last year, the Bronx Science chapter of High School Democrats was established to engage both the Bronx Science community and the community at large in America’s political processes.
When Lay Len Ching (class of 2021), chapter founder and leader, realized that there were no political clubs at her high school, she decided to bring High School Democrats to Bronx Science. Lay Len “got into politics freshman year after interning at a political campaign and has been politically active ever since. One of the big things she’s done recently is phone banking for the Census in undercounted NYC neighborhoods. She wanted to start this club because she believes politics is one of the ways that we can make a difference and that it’s important for everyone to be aware that they can make a change.”
The chapter leaders share weekly presentations with their club over zoom. Some of their past meetings have focused on Biden’s proposed policies, updates on the 2020 election, and the climate change crisis. During this election cycle, Bronx Science High School Democrats worked closely with New York High Schoolers for Biden, hosting and participating in weekly phone and text banks.
The fact that the chapter’s meetings are virtual has really benefited Bronx Science High School Democrats because they’ve been able to get guest speakers to come give presentations over zoom. For example, they invited John Choe, a democratic candidate to represent District 20 in the New York City Council, to address their club. Students could ask him questions about running for office and how to pursue a career in politics.
The chapter has also been able to draw in a lot of dedicated new members this year because people have more time to go to meetings, since they are virtual. Lay Len explained to me that while the chapter was founded last year, it has grown tremendously this year.
Bronx Science High School Democrats “focuses on giving club members the opportunity to be politically active.” Lay Len’s favorite part about High School Democrats is that it gives all of its members the chance to and encourages them to become more politically active. The chapter leaders are always on the lookout for political opportunities such as internships and volunteer opportunities and share these with their members in weekly email updates.
We encourage you to follow their instagram account @bxscidemocrats for more important updates and information about the Bronx Science chapter of High School Democrats. Thank you Lay Len for speaking with me, we wish you and your chapter the best of luck in the future!
