Free Program for High School Students Interested in STEM

For the 16^th year, St. Francis College is offering an opportunity for dozens of New York City high school students to get real world experience in the sciences during its free, two week Summer Science Academy.

The program runs Monday to Friday beginning July 11 and teaches topics such as DNA Barcoding and Forensics. Students will also be taken out of the classroom on three field trips.

"We're trying to improve student's knowledge base about DNA barcoding; which will give us more information about the biodiversity in our world, as well as skills related to data collection, experimental design, math, and data analysis," said Chair of the Department of Biology and Director of the Summer Science Academy Kathleen Nolan. "We hope their time at St. Francis keeps students on the path to a college degree in the fields of math and science."

Last summer, students came from 15 public and parochial high schools spread throughout the city. In a partnership with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, students were given the opportunity to go kayaking and seining off Brooklyn Bridge Park. They also sailed on the Schooner Pioneer, as they will do again this year.

St. Francis College is proud to have support for the program from the New York State Assembly and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon as well as the Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc., through a program called 2 Million & Change.

"It's crucial to encourage students with an interest in STEM fields," added Professor Nolan. "We're grateful our partners in the State Assembly and at the Staples Foundation recognize this and are helping us mold the next generation of leaders in these areas."

Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school may apply to the program. Candidates for the Summer Science Academy should email [email protected] with their:

• Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• Name of School
• Graduation Date, and
• One page essay about why they would like to be in the program.

The program is first-come, first-served and there are still a few spot left.Students are required to provide their own Metrocard and lunch, but all other expenses, including field trips and lab materials, are covered.

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y.Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.

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St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
www.sfc.edu