Research Experience for Teachers (RET)

The 2025 Research Experience for Teachers (RET) application is now OPEN!

Register for the RET summer 2025 cohort here.

The deadline to apply is 4/30/2025. 

 

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)

 

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. This program aligns with CS3's commitment to fostering a deep understanding of technology and engineering concepts among educators. RET participants work closely with CS3 researchers from Columbia University and Lehman College, gaining firsthand experience in cutting-edge projects related to smart streetscapes and urban technology.

In addition to hands-on research experience, the program includes personal and professional development workshops and seminars, focused on culturally inclusive pedagogy in the classroom, as well as community impact driven research. Participants will be engaged in the program for roughly 20 hours a week.

Program Goals

Receive training in the fundamentals of smart streetscape technology, through real-time, hyper-local streetscape applications built on advancements in edge-cloud technology, wireless-optical engineering, visual analytics, and computer security.

Be provided with the tools, experiences, and ongoing relationships with engineers, sociologists, and fellow STEM educators that will enable them to share with their students the latest developments in smart city technology and inspire their students to learn more about STEM career paths.

Gain background and first-hand experience in the design, methods, and analysis of research associated with engineering.

Learn methods to implement culturally inclusive pedagogy in their classrooms to better serve their students.

Program Details

  • Four-week session (July 14-Aug. 8, 2025)
  • 20 hours per week
  • In-person sessions hosted at the Center for Smart Streetscapes (CS3) on Columbia University's Manhattanville Campus
  • Teachers are paid 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 assigned research project, final presentation, and report
    • Complete a program assessment survey

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.

Information Sessions

Learn more about the CS3 Research Experience for Teachers (RET) by joining one of our upcoming information sessions at Columbia University. Program administrators will provide more details about the program and answer questions. Click on the links below to register.