The 2024-25 CUNY Immersive Research Experience - Climate Scholars (CIRE-CS) Program

Program Overview

The CUNY Immersive Research Experience Climate Scholars (CIRE-CS) program will provide an opportunity for 14 CUNY undergraduates to develop research, communication, and decision-making skills, and prepare for climate-focused careers across a variety of disciplines, such as renewable energy, environmental policy, sustainability, climate science, climate policy, environmental justice, and climate journalism.

CIRE Climate Scholars will participate in interdisciplinary education, research, internships, and teaching experiences throughout the program, and they will receive support from their designated mentor. The program will run from August 22, 2024 through April 30, 2025. CIRE Climate Scholars will present their research at the Baruch Creative Inquiry and Research Expo in May 2025 and at the CIRE Research Symposium in June 2025. Each applicant must be able to commit 20 hours per week for the full duration of the program. Students from CUNY senior campuses must be of at least junior standing to apply, and students from CUNY community colleges must be of at least sophomore standing to apply. 
 
Program Schedule
Fall Semester: Thursday, August 22 – Wednesday, December 11, 2024
  • Thursday, August 22: In-person Orientation at Baruch College
  • Didactic Sessions: Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30 am via Zoom
  • Research Lab Placement (in-person or remote)
  • CIRE networking and workshop opportunities
  • In-person Field Trips
  • STEP Academy Presentation
Spring Semester: Wednesday, January 29 – Friday, April 30, 2025
  • Didactic Session: Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30 am via Zoom
  • Internship Placement (in-person or remote)
  • CIRE networking and workshop opportunities
  • In-person Field Trips
  • STEP Academy Presentation
  • Participation in the Research & Creative Inquiry Expo at Baruch College in May 2025
Summer 2025:
  • Participation in the CIRE Research Symposium in June 2025

Program Stipend

  • Each CIRE Climate Scholar will receive up to $7,500 for their participation.
  • This stipend is funded by the CUNY Office of Research, the CUNY Research Scholars Program, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Mr. Paul Rothman, and the State of New York.
Program Requirements
  • Each applicant must be able to commit 20 hours per week for the full duration of the program
  • Attend weekly didactic sessions hosted by leading experts with a focus on climate-related topics
  • Engage in cross-disciplinary climate change research in a CUNY research lab
  • Participate in a three-month NGO or corporate climate change internship*
  • Engage in peer mentorship with middle school, high school or other CUNY undergraduate students
  • Present research at the Research & Creative Inquiry Expo at Baruch College in May, 2025
  • Maintain reliable communication with a designated mentor
Eligibility Requirements
  • Applicants must be a CUNY student. Low income, underrepresented minorities and those eager to learn about climate change and renewable energy innovation are especially encouraged to apply.
  • All applicants must be US Citizens, US Residents, or International Students with eligibility for on-campus employment.
  • Students from CUNY senior campuses must be of at least junior standing, and students from CUNY community colleges must be of at least sophomore standing.

The application deadline has passed. Please apply for the next cohort in Spring 2025! If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected].

*Internship placement is dependent upon performance throughout the fall semester.

History

Founded in 2020 by the Baruch Climate Change Faculty, the Baruch Climate Scholars (BCS) Program prepares students for climate change leadership and careers in New York City. In 2022, the Baruch Climate Change Faculty partnered with 3 other CUNY colleges, Bronx Community College, Brooklyn Community College, and Hunter College to expand to the CUNY Climate Scholars Program (CCS). The CCS Program consists of 10 CUNY students from across these 4 schools who are preparing to enter careers in the renewable energy sector. As of 2024, the program has been rebranded as the CUNY Immersive Research Experience – Climate Scholars (CIRE-CS) Program, and expanded to include senior colleges and community colleges within CUNY.

The CUNY Immersive Research Experience – Climate Scholars (CIRE-CS) Program is designed to address gaps in the CUNY education system by providing students with a rigorous interdisciplinary program exploring a wide range of cross-disciplinary climate issues related to renewable energy with a focus on strategies for mitigation, impacts, and resiliency.

The City University of New York (CUNY) has long been recognized as a catalyst for the economic and social mobility of its diverse student population and has consistently placed #1 for social mobility, among 1,449 higher education institutions across the country. As a result, CUNY is uniquely positioned to identify and prepare its students for important career and leadership opportunities and includes climate education as a pillar in its 5-year Strategic Plan. 

With continued funding, the CIRE-CS Program can help ensure the needs of CUNY students are met as well as create new pathways for future success.

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