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STEM Matters NYC Programs: ESC Programs

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Location: Genovesi Environmental Study Center in Bergen Beach, Brooklyn

The Genovesi Environmental Study Center (ESC) is looking for responsible, motivated, and energetic high school students entering grades 10-12 to participate in one of two exciting five-week programs. ESC is offering Brooklyn Grown: Introduction to Urban Farming and Hands-on Herpetology: Introduction to Reptiles and Amphibians. Students will create and complete a culminating project at the end of the program and receive a certificate acknowledging and verifying their contributions to ESC at the conclusion of the program. Participants are provided a daily MetroCard for travel to and from ESC. ESC also provides round-trip transportation via yellow school bus from Atlantic Ave-Barclay Center for the entirety of the program.

  • After you apply, if you are selected as a finalist, you will be invited for an interview at ESC during spring break or after school in the weeks following. Interviews are by invite ONLY for selected finalists. 

Brooklyn Grown: Introduction to Urban Farming

Dates: Monday-Thursday July 10-August 10, 2023

Times: Mondays-Wednesdays 9:00am-3:00pm; Thursdays 9:00am-12:00pm

Are you interested in learning how to grow garden-fresh produce and flowers to experience rich flavors and vibrant textures? Do you love getting your hands dirty while being outside in the sun (or rain) for most of the day? Can you multitask efficiently or want to learn how? Spend your summer "digging in" to the ins and outs of establishing and maintaining a successful urban farm! Learn to properly use farm equipment while germinating seeds, transplanting, cultivating, watering, managing compost, maintaining garden structures, and harvesting and weighing produce. At the conclusion of the program, use your newly honed special skills and knowledge to create a project and present it to your peers. Participants receive a daily MetroCard and bus transportation from downtown Brooklyn for travel to/from the Environmental Study Center.

Hands-on Herpetology: Introduction to Reptiles and Amphibians

Dates: Monday-Thursday July 10-August 10, 2023

Times: Mondays-Wednesdays 9:00am-3:00pm; Thursdays 9:00am-12:00pm

Are you interested in reptiles and amphibians? Do you like getting your hands dirty and have a strong interest in nature? Spend your summer exploring the amazing world of herpetology! Get hands-on experience caring for lizards, snakes, turtles, frogs, and more! Interact with a variety of animals up-close to learn about their natural habitats, diets, and indoor living needs. At the conclusion of the program, use your newly honed special skills and knowledge to create a project and present it to your peers. Participants receive a daily MetroCard and bus transportation from downtown Brooklyn for travel to/from the Environmental Study Center.

Atlantic Ave-Barclay Center Pick-Up

A yellow school bus will pick students up from this location, easily accessible by public transit, and drop students off at the Genovesi Environmental Study Center. When the day is done, the bus will return back to this location.