Environmentor Program

Environmentor is a summer science research mentorship run by the Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE) for high school students in New York City. Participants carry out real environmental research projects on Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway shoreline, guided by scientists from local universities and research institutions. The 2027 program runs from June through mid-August 2027 at the RISE center in Far Rockaway, and is fully in person. Students attend orientations and workshops in June, then meet Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for six weeks in July and August. Beyond research, participants train in water safety and CPR and try kayaking, biking, and surfing. Students can earn a stipend of up to $1,200 and also receive community service hours.

Open to 9th-11th grade students who live in New York City and attend school in or near the Rockaway peninsula. Applicants who took part in RISE's Shore Corps program during the fall and spring get priority. Every applicant must attend an in-person group interview in May 2027. The application for summer 2027 is expected to open in spring 2027.