Overview
The CS3 Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program offers a valuable opportunity for K-12 STEM educators to engage in hands-on research within the context of smart streetscapes. RET participants work closely with CS3 researchers from Columbia University and Lehman College, learning about emerging AI approaches and discovering ways to improve lives on the streets by integrating AI with rich datasets covering New York City.
In addition to hands-on research experience, the program includes seminars focused on STEM education, to help participants develop engaging lesson plans that integrate CS3's engineering curriculum with the interests and experiences of their students.
Participants engage in the program for roughly 24 hours a week. Teachers are paid a stipend of $5,000 for their participation.
Summer 2026 applications will open in Spring 2026.
Learn the fundamentals of streetscape technology: Teachers attend a presentation at Columbia University by Professor Roxana Geambasu, CS3 Lead of Research Thrust 3 on Security, Privacy, and Fairness.
Participate in multi-level mentorship: Teachers collaborate on research projects with engineers and sociologists from Columbia University and Lehman College, as well as other STEM educators.
Success: Teachers present their research findings and celebrate their four weeks of hard work!
Program Goals
Program Details
- Program Dates: July 13 - August 7, 2026
- Mondays through Thursdays, 9am-4pm
- In-person sessions hosted at Columbia University
- Teachers receive a $5,000 stipend to support them over the summer.
- Teacher Responsibilities:
- Attend all summer program activities
- Design and implement a lesson plan based on CS3 research within a classroom with grade 6-12 students during the academic year following the summer program
- Complete final presentation
- Complete program assessment surveys
Eligibility
- Must be math or science certified
- U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents
- Must teach at a public middle or high school located in NYC; strong preference for teachers at Harlem schools
- Must receive endorsement by the school administration
Application Requirements
- Completed application form
- One reference letter from your school administration (submitted via application)
- Current resume (submitted via application)
- Completed personal statement (submitted via application)
- Summer 2026 applications will open in Spring 2026.
Program Leads
