Overview
The CS3 Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program provides K–12 STEM educators with a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on research focused on smart streetscapes. Participants collaborate closely with CS3 researchers from Columbia University and Lehman College, gaining exposure to emerging artificial intelligence (AI) approaches and exploring how data-driven technologies can enhance urban life across New York City.
Research activities will span a range of interconnected areas, including computer vision, urban data collection, and statistical analysis of street-level interventions. Participants will also explore how recent advances in generative AI can support research and analysis workflows.
In addition to their research experience, participants attend seminars on STEM education and pedagogy. These sessions support educators in developing engaging, classroom-ready lesson plans that integrate CS3’s engineering curriculum with the interests and lived experiences of their students.
The program requires a commitment of approximately 24 hours per week. Participants are paid a stipend of $5,000 for their participation.
Summer 2026 applications are now open! Click below to apply:
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
- Certified math or science teacher
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Currently teaching at a public middle or high school in New York City (strong preference for educators in Harlem-based schools)
- Endorsement from school administration required
Preferred Qualifications
- Introductory knowledge of computer programming (any language)
- Strong general computer skills, including comfort working with spreadsheets and managing, collecting, and processing data
- Interest in applying computer vision and AI in real-world contexts
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 are now open! Click below to apply:
Program Leads
