Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology) is a competitive research and youth development program offered by the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Bronx Zoo, in partnership with Fordham University, for Bronx residents in grades 10 and 11. Participants spend a six-week summer session followed by Saturday sessions from September through December conducting authentic field research in urban ecology, studying topics such as mammal species distribution, bird community composition, water quality, and invasive species. The program gives students the rare opportunity to contribute to real scientific research alongside professional conservationists and university researchers. It is one of the most rigorous and immersive science programs available to high school students in New York City.
Designing studies, testing hypotheses, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
Making sense of numbers and datasets to find patterns, test ideas, and support decisions.
Gathering and evaluating information systematically to answer a question.
Delivering ideas clearly and confidently in front of an audience.
Guiding a group toward a shared goal and keeping everyone moving together.
Evaluating information carefully before drawing a conclusion or making a decision.
Students conduct field research on urban ecology topics like water quality and invasive species management.
Program focuses on mammal species distribution and bird community composition research in NYC.
Interns utilize various data collection and analysis methods to examine their field research findings.
Students explore and research wildlife and wild places of New York City urban environments.
Program develops science communication skills and students present findings to peers and the public.
Community Experiences
Loading...