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Introduction to the STEM Research Academy

The Baruch College Now STEM Research Academy is designed to provide NYC public high school students with an opportunity to build their science knowledge and skills by engaging in 'authentic inquiry' activities. Twenty-five students will be selected based on NY State High School Regents Exams in English and math, GPA, writing sample, and transcript review.

Program Overview and Schedule

The Academy uses a two-semester (spring and summer) program model. Students selected are enrolled in a college-credit research methods course during the spring to strengthen necessary skills, such as formulating a strong research question, designing testable experiments, performing literature searches, and reading scientific literature. The course goal is to introduce students to the expectations of working in a research lab environment. Upon successfully completing the spring course (with a minimum grade of C), students will be matched with CUNY research faculty and participate in a structured six-week summer research experience program.

Program in Review (2016 – 2025)

Since the program began in 2016, there have been:

• 130+ students complete the spring research prep course
• 95+ research scholars (students who completed both the spring prep course and summer research experience)
• 5 research disciplines covered (Biology, Environmental Science, Cultural Communication, Sociology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology)
• 13 faculty mentors

Spring Semester: Introduction to Research Skills

The STEM Research Academy sequence begins with a 60-hour research preparatory course (BIO 3002 – Reading Science). This course is designed to help students develop essential scientific literacy and numeracy skills. After successful completion of the spring course (grade of C or higher), students will be awarded college credit.

Summer Semester: Applied Research Experience

The summer research experience offers students a stipend of $1,575 (paid out the following fall semester). The program runs from mid-July to mid-August, Monday through Thursday (roughly 9am-5pm). The three main objectives are to develop student understanding of the nature of science with an in-depth experience in one area of scientific research, work towards understanding the culture and interests of a science research laboratory, and enhance the literacy skills needed to excel in science. At the conclusion of the summer program, student teams will present their culminating project/research findings.

Eligibility and Benefits

Primary Program Requirements

• Must be a current NYC Public High School 10th or 11th grader when applying by December
• An overall 80+ average
• Priority will be given to students from partner high schools and those from historically underrepresented groups in science (e.g., African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American Indian, and Alaskan Native)

Benefits

There are numerous benefits to participating in the STEM Research Academy, including:

• Earning college credit
• College and career exploration (early career exposure, development of necessary life and career skills, building and expanding professional network, etc.)
• A stipend of $1,575 (upon completion of summer research experience; paid out the following fall semester)
• Access to a research mentor

Application Process and Timeline

Application Process

Applications generally become available in mid-October and consist of:

• An online application
• Copy of high school transcript
• One page essay introducing yourself, discussing your areas of interest in science, explaining what you hope to gain from this program, and what makes you a great candidate

Timeline

• Application period (mid-October to December)
• Students will be informed of decisions mid-December
• Student Orientation (January)
• Spring course (end of January to mid-May; Hybrid)
• Mentor/mentee meet and greet (June)
• Summer research experience (July to August; Monday through Thursday; approximately 5-6 weeks)
• End of summer Project Fair (mid-August; subject to change)

Research Mentors

The STEM Research Academy has had various research mentors across different disciplines, including Biology, Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Cultural Communication, Environmental Science, and Sociology. These mentors are passionate about mentorship and working with students, providing them with valuable research experience and guidance.