Student Urban Nature (SUN)
Queens and Staten Island
Urban Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Areas Management, Freshwater Ecology
About Natural Areas Conservancy:
The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) is a non-profit organization committed to conserving forests and wetlands in New York City through restoration, research, and advocacy to ensure NYC’s natural areas are accessible to all New Yorkers. The NAC also runs a paid internship program eligible to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled or recently graduated from any school within the City University of New York (CUNY).
About the Student Urban Nature Program:
The Student Urban Nature (SUN) Program is a paid summer internship program for local high school students in their rising junior and senior year interested in hands-on urban ecology field experience. By using the framework of science identity (the perception of one’s self as a Scientist) to promote environmental stewardship among local youth, the SUN program helps connect students to their nearby green spaces and the NYC STEM community.
Over the course of six weeks, high school interns learn about the foundations of ecology through flora and fauna identification; the importance of natural areas management; and active land stewardship work alongside NYC environmental organizations. In addition, interns will dive into scientific inquiry by developing site-specific research questions, conducting an ecological research project, and presenting their findings at an end-of-summer symposium. Throughout the summer, interns will participate in professional development opportunities focused on science communication, research ethics, public speaking, networking, resume building, college readiness, workplace etiquette, and understanding the field of NYC urban ecology.
* The Student Urban Nature Program has two program locations: Forest Park, Queens and The Greenbelt, Staten Island.
Learn more about SUN
Benefits of Participating
Engagement with various ecosystems in Forest Park, Queens and The Greenbelt, Staten Island.
Mentorship from NAC staff and NAC’s CUNY undergraduate and graduate interns.
Supportive community among your peers, mentors, local professionals and program leaders.
College readiness and early career guidance to help navigate a path from high school to college STEM spaces.
Eligibility Requirements
Will be enrolled in a NYC high school come Fall
Will be a rising junior or senior during the summer
Must have a strong interest in nature, being outdoors, science, and caring for New York City’s forests and parks
Must live or attend school within commuting distance (~30 minutes max) of Forest Park, Queens (SUN Program: Forest Park)
Must live or attend school within commuting distance (~30 minutes max) of Greenbelt Nature Center, Staten Island (SUN Program: Staten Island)
Questions?
For information not found on the websites, please feel free to reach out to the following contact: