Learning through Ecology and Environmental Fields Studies (LEEFS)

DESCRIPTION: This fellowship program connects teachers and students from New York City Title I and Title III middle and high schools with advanced doctoral students from Columbia's science departments. Doctoral students gain a deeper understanding of effectively communicating their research to non-science audiences, simultaneously engaging in core curriculum enhancement, and working closely with teachers to advance student achievement in science and mathematics.

OUTCOMES: The selection and training of the graduate fellows; a workshop series at which graduate students share their field and classroom experiences; collaboration and integration with the Columbia Summer Research Program; a regular post-project assessment at each school and an annual external evaluation; the eventual permanent implementation of the practices and partnerships evolving during the project; and a publishable study of the program process and results.