Yale University

The university has a strong commitment to public education and makes its resources available to strengthen K-12 education in New Haven and in Connecticut . These resources include facilities, courses, and the talents and services of faculty, students, and staff. Comprehensive partnerships with area schools and communities have become an important part of the university's efforts.

1. Astronomy Public Observing Nights: Twice a month, participants are welcomed to look through one of the many telescopes at the Leitner Family Observatory and have questions answered about astronomy.  The astronomical objects viewed change seasonally, and range from the Moon to the planets (such as Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Venus) to nearby star clusters and galaxies.   Also, the first Thursday of every month, lectures are given by members of the Department of Astronomy. Past topics have included "Galaxies in the Nearby Universe," "Astronomy at the Movies," and "Lunar Dust: The Dangers of a Dirty Moon."  Lectures are followed by observing through the telescopes.  While the lecture series runs rain or shine, all observation time is wea the r permitting. Contact: Michael Faison, faison@astro.yale.edu or http://www.astro.yale.edu/observatory/public-observing FREE and open to the public.
   
   
2. Biomedical Science Training and Enrichment Program (BioSTEP): BioSTEP provides intensive, short-term summer research training for undergraduates, especially students from groups underrepresented in biomedical sciences at research-intensive universities.  Trainees conduct research for ten weeks at Yale in laboratories and present the ir research findings orally or in poster format at the end of the program.  The program offers weekly workshops on topics relevant to biomedical science and weekly luncheon seminars with Yale faculty.  Students gain an in-depth view of the lives, careers, and scientific expertise of Yale's physician-scientists. Participants also meet with admissions representatives of the medical school and graduate school admissions offices.   BioSTEP students have numerous opportunities to meet and socialize each o the r as well as with current Yale students. Program coordinators organize weekend day trips and evening events for BioSTEP students to enjoy the beaches, cities, and scenery of New England . Each participant receives a stipend and housing at no cost.  Travel to and from New Haven is fully paid for or reimbursed. Info: http://info.med.yale.edu/omca/programs/biostep.htm Contact:  Linda Jackson, Program Coordinator, at 203-785-7545 or linda.jackson@yale.edu
   
   
3. Center for Research on Interface Structures and Phenomena (CRISP) “Experiences for Youth” (CRISPEY): The CRISPEY program offers many activities and events throughout the year that reach out to young students primarily in the New Haven area. Students gain an increased awareness of the importance of Materials Science in the ir everyday lives through classroom presentations, laboratory demonstrations, laboratory open house events, New Haven Science Fair mentorship, and exciting hands-on workshops. A common goal throughout all of the se programs is to make science come alive through real life applications. Young students discover that the science of materials is everywhere around the m, particularly at the forefront of cutting edge technology. These educational activities are designed to increase interest and diversity in science and engineering. Info: www.crisp.yale.edu/education k-12.html . Contact: Ms. Hea the r Edgecumbe, Education and Outreach Coordinator, at 203-392-8959 or edgecumbeh1@southernct.edu
   Eligibility: New Haven area students.
   
   
4. Center for Research on Interface Structures and Phenomena (CRISP) Fellowships for Teachers: The CRISP Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) fellowship program offers New Haven area teachers a six-week summer research experience. Fellows become part of an interdisciplinary research team at Southern Connecticut State (SCSU) and Yale University , working together with University faculty and graduate students. Each interdisciplinary team consists of a network of researchers with diverse backgrounds in engineering, physics, applied physics, chemistry, and industry, researching a topic of common interest in Materials Science. Participants will meet other research groups at SCSU and Yale and learn about research being performed in CRISP laboratories at Yale University . Fellows either receive a stipend or course credit in SCSU's M.S. in Science Education Program. Info: www.crisp.yale.edu/education_teachers.html Eligibility: New Haven area high school and middle school teachers.
   
   
5. Center for Research on Interface Structures and Phenomena (CRISP) Fellowships for Undergraduates: The CRISP Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) fellowship program is an eight-week summer research experience. Students will participate in collaborative research projects taking place in both Yale University and Southern Connecticut State University laboratories. Fellows become part of an interdisciplinary research team working together with University faculty and graduate students. Each interdisciplinary team consists of a network of researchers with diverse backgrounds in engineering, physics, applied physics, chemistry, and industry, researching a topic of common interest in Materials Science.  Info: www.crisp.yale.edu/education_undergrad.html Contact: Ms. Heather Edgecumbe, Education and Outreach Coordinator, at 203-392-8959 or edgecumbeh1@southernct.edu and Dr. Christine Broadbridge, Education Director, at Christine.broadbridge@yale.edu . Eligibility: Undergraduate students nationwide
   
   
6. Dynamic Education Marvels of Science (DEMOS): Yale student volunteers teach weekly science classes at local elementary schools, using striking demonstrations and hands-on activities to teach basic scientific principles. The DEMOS group also performs science assemblies and planetarium demonstrations for local elementary schools and runs semiannual, day-long science festivals for New Haven families. Info: www.yale.edu/demos. Contact: Dwight Hall Main Office at 203-432-2420 or dwighthall@yale.edu . Eligibility: New Haven Public School students in grades K-6.
   
   
7. EVOking Learning and Understanding Through Investigations Of the Natural Sciences (EVOLUTIONS): Evolutions is an after-school club for New Haven Public School students.  Evolutions runs for the entire academic year and emphasizes science literacy, critical thinking, college preparation, career awareness, mentoring, community service, and transferable skills development.  Past field trips have included Boston Museum of Science, Ground Zero in New York City and universities including New York University , the University of Rhode Island , Brown, Harvard and MIT.  All program graduates receive academic credit and letters of recommendation.
   Application is required. Info: www.yale.edu/peabody/education/afterschool.html . Contact: Jamie Alonzo, Coordinator, at 203-432-6577 or peabody.afterschool@yale.edu . Eligibility: New Haven Public School students in grades 9-12. 
   
   
8. Have Bones, Will Travel: Have Bones, Will Travel is a program offered by the Yale School of Nursing to elementary, middle, and high schools in New Haven.  The program aims to educate students about the marvels of the human body through creative and fun activities in order to better understand the decisions that impact their long-term health. Info: nursing.yale.edu/Community/bare-bones.html Contact: Linda Pellico, Assistant Professor in Nursing, at 203-737-5392 or linda.pellico@yale.edu . Eligibility: Regional students in grades K-12.
   
   
9. Health Professionals Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP): HPREP is a nationwide high school science enrichment program aimed at recruiting African-American, Native American, and Latino high school students into careers in the sciences and health professions. Each year over 30 New Haven high school students attend eight Saturday sessions run by Yale minority graduate and professional students.  Students participate in small group discussions on various health topics within medicine and public health.  A special emphasis is placed on health issues disproportionately affecting minority communities. Info: info.med.yale.edu/omca/hprep . Contact: Yale School of Medicine Office of Multicultural Affairs at 203-785-7545. Eligibility: New Haven Public School students in grades 10 and 11.
   
   
10. Girls' Science Investigations (GSI): Girls' Science Investigations is a program for girls who are interested in learning more about science. The program meets for four Saturdays at Yale University . This year's themes include The Invisible World, The Material World, The Chemical World and The Mechanical World. Students have an opportunity to observe scientists run demonstrations as well as participate in hands-on experiments. Examples include working with cloud chambers, diffraction gratings, UV Bead Bracelets, photosensitive paper, boiling water with ice and much more! GSI also contains an "Ask a Scientist" session which gives students an opportunity to ask scientist questions about science and careers in science. Info: www.yale.edu/physics/GSI/ Contact: Bonnie Fleming, Assistant Professor in Physics, at gsi_newhaven@hepmail.physics.yale.edu. Eligibility: Girls in grades 6-8.
    
    
11. Minorities in Medicine Movement: Minorities in Medicine Movement promotes diversity in medical professions by encouraging youth interest in medicine.  Volunteers strive to inspire and encourage youth from racial/ethnic groups that are underrepresented in medicine, provide these students with resources, practical information, and exciting experiences in the medical field that will nurture their interest in medicine and help them achieve their particular goals.  Activities are rooted in mentoring relationships and will include field trips, lectures, panels, and workshops led by physicians, medical students, researchers, and other health professionals and medically-minded individuals. Contact: Dwight Hall Main Office at 203-432-2420 or dwighthall@yale.edu . Eligibility: New Haven Public School students in grades 9-12 .
    
    
12. New Haven Science Fair Program: The citywide Science Fair is held each year at Yale University 's Commons.  Over 8000 students and 43 schools participate in the science fair competition, which promotes skills in critical thinking, the scientific process, and research communication. In conjunction with the city-wide fair, this program offers mentoring for students and professional development for teachers in order to help them carry out investigative hands-on projects.  In addition, the program supports Family Science Nights and summer internships for New Haven high school students. Info: www.nhsciencefair.org . Contact: Jack Crane at 203-393-0157. Eligibility: New Haven Public School students in grades K-12.
    
    
13. Science Education Outreach Program (SEOP): SEOP brings Yale graduate students and post-doctoral fellows into the classroom to carry out hands-on genetics projects for middle school students.  Its aim is to a) teach students about DNA and genetics b) enhance students' enthusiasm for science, inspire them to pursue scientific careers, c) provide interactions with scientists to demystify stereotypes and d) provide the Yale trainees an opportunity to share their love of science with city students and develop a spirit of community service. The program started in 1995 and involves teams of three Yale people per classroom.  Lessons include, 1. Genotype and Phenotype, 2. Chromosome Structure and Mitosis, and 3. DNA and Molecular Biology. Info:   www.seop.yale.edu Contact: Paula Kavathas, Professor of Laboratory Medicine, Genetics and Immunobiology, at 203-785-6223 or paula.kavathas@yale.edu . Eligibility: New Haven Public School students in 7th grade.
    
    
14. Science Saturdays: Yale's Department of Engineering presents a series of Saturday morning lectures by Yale professors and local scientists who discuss their fascination with their fields of study and share their research findings. Past topics have included: astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, forestry, medicine, psychology, and physics.  The talks are appropriate for students in the 7th grade and up. Info: www.eng.yale.edu/science . Contact: Ainissa Ramirez, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, at 203-432-2156 or ainissa.ramirez@yale.edu . FREE and open to the public.
    
    
15. SMArT: Science and Math Achiever Teams: SMArT is a mentoring program which pairs Yale student volunteers with New Haven public school students in grades 5-8. Participants meet once a week with their mentor to work on a math or science project of their choice. At the end of each semester, the students' projects are displayed at the Science Expo Open house to which the entire community is invited. SMArT also organizes at least one field trip per semester. Info: www.yale.edu/prgsmart . Contact: Dwight Hall Main Office at 203-432-2420 or dwighthall@yale.edu . Eligibility: New Haven Public School students in grades 5-8.
    
    
16. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF): SURF is an eight-week program meant to familiarize students completing the ir sophomore or junior year with the kind of work the y can expect to do in graduate school. Students are immersed in an academic, professional setting involving a working relationship with a faculty mentor, a program of individual research, and participation in a series of program workshops and panel discussions. All students give a final presentation to the ir peers, submit a written paper and attend the Leadership Alliance Conference to present the ir research at the meeting. The program is particularly interested in identifying and providing research experience to talented under-represented minority students, but all students may apply. Students are housed at no cost and meals are provided. Students also receive a stipend upon successful participation in the program. Travel to and from New Haven is covered. Info: www.yale.edu/graduateschool/diversity/surf.html Contact: Office for Diversity & Equal Opportunity at 203-432-0763 or grad.diversity@yale.edu
    
    
17. Ulysses S. Grant Foundation Program: The Ulysses S. Grant Foundation offers a six-week academic summer program on the Yale campus for New Haven middle school students. In the morning, Yale undergraduates teach interactive interdisciplinary classes in humanities, science and math, and conduct sports and extracurricular activities in the afternoon.  In addition, students enjoy a variety of local and regional field trips.  Financial aid is available.  Info or an application: www.yale.edu/usgrant. Contact: Janna Wagner, Board Chair, at janna@aya.yale.edu . Eligibility:   New Haven public and private school students entering grades 6 to 9.  Application is required.
    
    
18. Yale Center for Excellence in Genome Sciences & Yale Center for Genomics and Proteomics: The Centers offer tours and introductory lessons in genomics and proteomics to Greater New Haven students of all ages and their teachers.  Lessons include lectures from Yale scientists and fun lab activities, such as having the student isolate their own DNA and learn about state-of-the-art biotechnology. We work with the Evolutions, an after school program through the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History and other Yale sponsored K-12 science mentoring programs. Info: http://cgp.yale.edu/ . Contact: Nancy Kerk, Coordinator for Yale Corporate Program in the Sciences & Administrative Director for Yale Center for Genomics and Proteomics, at 203-432-8060 or nancy.kerk@yale.edu . Eligibility: Regional students in grades K-12.
    
    
19. Yale Center for Excellence in Genome Sciences & Yale Center for Genomics and Proteomics Teacher Workshops: The Yale Center for Excellence in Genome Sciences and the Yale Center for Genomics and Proteomics offers programs for teachers of all grades that include lectures, hands-on experiments, and computer-based lab workshops. Participating teachers receive a stipend, CEUs and laboratory equipment borrowing privileges. Topics include the Human Genome Project, genetically modified plants, and laboratory workshops feature state-of-the-art biotechnology. Info: http://cgp.yale.edu/ . Contact: Nancy Kerk, Coordinator for Yale Corporate Program in the Sciences & Administrative Director for Yale Center for Genomics and Proteomics, at 203-432-8060 or nancy.kerk@yale.edu . Eligibility: Open to all educators.
    
    
20. Yale New Haven Teachers Institute (YNHTI) summer fellowships: YNHTI is an educational partnership between Yale University and the New Haven Public Schools designed to strengthen teaching and learning in local schools. Each participating fellow works together with a Yale faculty mentor to prepare a curriculum unit to be taught the following year. The fellowship runs from March to July. Participating teachers are awarded a stipend, CEUs and given borrowing privileges at the University libraries and access to other campus facilities and resources for 1 year. Info: www.yale.edu/ynhti and www. teachers.yale.edu. Contact: Josiah Brown, Associate Director, at 203-432-1080 or josiah.brown@yale.edu or teachers@yale.edu . Eligibility: New Haven Public elementary, middle and high school teachers.
    
    
21. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History Peabody Fellows Program: This professional development program offers middle school and high school teacher's innovative curricula and hands-on, inquiry-based learning methods that link biodiversity with Connecticut 's life and earth science standards.  Teachers attend a one-week summer institute and receive a stipend, CEUs from Yale University , Yale library borrowing privileges, use of Museum specimens and ongoing support from the Peabody 's educators.  Info: www.peabody.yale.edu/education/fellows . Contact: Mary Anderson, Community Liaison, at 203-432-5715 or mary.anderson@yale.edu . Eligibility:  Open to all educators, intended for teachers of grades 5-10.
    
    
22. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History Teacher Workshops: The Yale Peabody Museum offers many professional development opportunities for in-service and pre-service teachers, ranging from afternoon workshops to weeklong summer institutes. Topics include anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, biology and geology. Curriculum units developed by participants are published by the Yale Peabody Museum Public Education Department. Info: www.yale.edu/peabody/education/index.html Contact: Yale Peabody Museum Education Office on 203.432.3775 or peabody.education@yale.edu . Eligibility: Open to all educators.
    
    
23. Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History Summer Programs: The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History has a wide variety of fun and educational summer camps available for students entering grades 3-9.  All programs include behind-the-scenes visits to the Museum's exceptional collections as well as field trips.  A number of full and partial need-based scholarships are available to qualified participants. Info: www.yale.edu/peabody/events/camps.html Contact: Yale Peabody Museum Events Office at 203-432-6466 or peabody.events@yale.edu . Eligibility : Students entering grades 3-9.
    
    
24. Yale Physics Olympics: The theme of the annual Yale Physics Olympics is "physics is fun!" and its aim is to have participants enjoy themselves while applying basic ideas from physics in a practical context.  The event takes place on a Saturday in October and takes the form of a pentathlon, consisting of five 40-minute events. Each event is a task or simple experiment which the students perform as a team.  Teams are ranked based on accuracy of their results or measurements in the experiments and prizes are awarded to the winning teams.  The event is organized in cooperation the University of Liverpool , which holds a similar event with similar tasks on the same day making this a truly international event! Contact: Peter Parker, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at 203-432-3650 or peter.parker@yale.edu . Info: www.yale.edu/physics/physics-olympics/index.html . Eligibility: Regional students in grades 9-12.
    
    
25. Yale Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP): Yale SMDEP is a six-week intensive summer program for highly motivated first and second year college students who are considering a career in medicine. This program exposes students to an academic and learning environment very similar to what they would encounter as a first-year medical student at Yale School of Medicine.  In both classroom and seminar settings, teachers cover topics in basic and clinical sciences as well as highly individualized instruction in writing and communication skills.  The SMDEP program does not offer MCAT preparation or review.  Yale SMDEP has five primary components, Science modules, Writing and communication class, Clinical Exposure, Career planning and guidance and Biomedicine in the 21st Century.   Through organized and informal social activities, SMDEP students develop a new network of relationships and experiences that are remembered and valued for years. All students receive a stipend and limited reimbursement for travel expenses. Students are housed at no charge and receive a discount in the Yale-New Haven Hospital cafeteria. Info: http://info.med.yale.edu/omca/programs/mmep.htm . Contact:   Linda Jackson, Program Coordinator, at 203-785-7545 or linda.jackson@yale.edu

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