Brooklyn Heights

St. Francis Summer Science Academy launches 16th year

Free Program for High School Students Interested in STEM

June 14, 2016 Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Last summer, students were given the opportunity to go kayaking and seining off Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photos courtesy of St. Francis College
Share this:

For the 16th year, St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights is offering an opportunity for dozens of New York City high school students to get real-world experience in the sciences during its free, two-week Summer Science Academy.

The program runs Monday to Friday beginning July 11 and teaches topics such as DNA barcoding and forensics. Students will also be taken out of the classroom on three field trips.

“We’re trying to improve students’ knowledge base about DNA barcoding, which will give us more information about the biodiversity in our world, as well as skills related to data collection, experimental design, math and data analysis,” said Chair of the Department of Biology and Director of the Summer Science Academy Kathleen Nolan. “We hope their time at St. Francis keeps students on the path to a college degree in the fields of math and science.”

Last summer, students came from 15 public and parochial high schools spread throughout the city. In a partnership with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, students were given the opportunity to go kayaking and seining off Brooklyn Bridge Park. They also sailed on the Schooner Pioneer, as they will do again this year.

Subscribe to our newsletters

St. Francis College is proud to have support for the program from the New York State Assembly and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, as well as the Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc., through a program called 2 Million & Change.

“It’s crucial to encourage students with an interest in STEM fields,” added Nolan. “We’re grateful our partners in the state Assembly and at the Staples Foundation recognize this and are helping us mold the next generation of leaders in these areas.”

Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school may apply to the program. Candidates for the Summer Science Academy should email [email protected] with their name, address, phone number, name of school, graduation date and a one-page essay about why they would like to be in the program.  

There program is first-come, first-served and there are still a few spot left. Students are required to provide their own Metrocard and lunch, but all other expenses, including field trips and lab materials, are covered. 


Leave a Comment


Leave a Comment