Rising TIDES (Training Innovative and Diverse Environmental Scientists)

In the face of climate change our coastal urban centers are one of the most vulnerable and populated environments in the world, a dire combination.  No other areas are in greater need of scientific innovation to enhance resiliency. However, these urban areas often lack adequate STEM training for those youth living in the city’s bounds. How will cities tackle the challenges of the future without training the next generation of scientists from within?

Launched in 2019, the Rising TIDES initiative seeks to address this urgent need by cultivating young scientists from diverse backgrounds from within our community and providing intensive training, mentorship, and paid research experience. 

Rising TIDES is made up of two programs: The Yonkers Blue Team and the EELS (Evaluating Estuary Lateral Species) Team. While different in research focus, the programs share many similarities.

Both include:

  • participation in a one-week science course (Winter Water Academy for Blue Team and Hudson River Ecology Course for EELS Team)
  • intensive paid training and lab and field research experience 
  • tiered mentorship, allowing motivated students to “rise” through the program year-to-year and further develop their skills 
  • additional life skills training in public speaking, resume writing, and STEM career exploration
  • an outreach component so that students can share their knowledge with the community 

Both programs are only open to Yonkers Public Schools high school students. 

For more specific information on either program click below.
EELS Team
Blue Team

The Rising TIDES initiative has received generous support from the NYS DEC Office of Environmental Justice and the NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program. 

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