CUNY's John Jay College operates a special program, called Ascent, for promising high school students. S-PREP, offered by Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, is designed for minority and economically disadvantaged high school students who are residents of New York and interested in a career in medicine or allied health. Students enroll in enrichment science classses, attend workshops, and receive career counseling. The program runs every Saturday from October to May. Applications for the next academic year are available in April.
Applications are due in the spring of the junior year.
The River Project offers opportunities for student interns to become directly involved in the protection of urban wildlife and habitat. With the help of partnering agencies, interns will gather data, and then compile and disseminate knowledge through schools and community boards. The Student Conservation Association offers students an opportunity to experience careers as archaelogists, botanists, engineers, park personnel, and others. High school students complete an intensive year-round program consisting of monthly opportunities for training, mentoring, and field experiences. On weekends or after school, visit natural, cultural and historic sites and participate in forums on local conservation and civic matters.