The STEM Research Academy (STEM RA) is a free program run by the City University of New York that gives high school students in grades 9 through 11 the opportunity to conduct real scientific research and earn college credit. The program spans two semesters, beginning with a spring pre-college course that introduces students to research practices, followed by a six-week summer research experience at a CUNY campus. Participants also receive a competitive stipend and a MetroCard, making the program fully accessible to motivated students from New York City public schools. STEM RA is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring scientists to build genuine research skills, explore STEM careers, and get a head start on college-level work.
Designing studies, testing hypotheses, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
Running experiments safely and accurately using real scientific equipment and procedures.
Evaluating information carefully before drawing a conclusion or making a decision.
Breaking down a challenge and working through it methodically to a solution.
Guiding a group toward a shared goal and keeping everyone moving together.
Guiding and supporting someone else as they learn or grow in a skill.
Students conduct hands-on research in CUNY laboratories under faculty mentorship, directly mirroring research careers.
Program offers research experiences in molecular biology, animal behavior, and ecology across multiple CUNY campuses.
Chemistry and molecular biology research opportunities available through faculty-mentored summer experiences.
Students can pursue environmental science and urban ecology research projects during the six-week summer component.
Computer science research opportunities available through the program's STEM research experiences.
Community Experiences
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