Hunter x RockEDU Scholars

Aimed at supporting freshman and sophomores attending CUNY Hunter College, the Hunter x RockEDU Scholars program blends hands-on research training through collaborative team-based projects done alongside upper class high school students and Rockefeller scientists.

February 27, 2025 through August 8, 2025.

Program at a Glance

• During the spring, Hunter x RockEDU Scholars will join the Jumpstart program, which meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30pm – 7pm; February 27 – June 12, 2025
• Hunter x RockEDU Scholars then move into the Summer Science Research Program (SSRP), which requires up to 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, June 23 – August 7, 2025
• Must be enrolled at Hunter College, and must commit to participate in the entire program
• Students who have had limited access to, or have been excluded from adequate STEM opportunities are strongly encouraged to apply

Applications for Hunter x RockEDU Scholars open November 1, 2024. Applications are due on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11:59pm Eastern Time. Letters of recommendation are due by Monday, January 6, 2025 at 11:59pm Eastern Time.

Program Overview

The Hunter x RockEDU Scholars program combines immersive, hands-on research training with collaborative peer learning. During the first phase (spring), Hunter x RockEDU Scholars will explore foundational research skills in molecular biology alongside upper class NYC high school students and dedicated scientist-mentors. Through guided questioning and active participation, Hunter x RockEDU Scholars will gain familiarity with key techniques used in molecular biology labs, as well as become acquainted with laboratory norms and culture. During the second phase (summer), Hunter x RockEDU Scholars will join a structured research team modeled after a Rockefeller University laboratory, led by scientists in the Tri-I (Rockefeller, Weill Cornell, and MSKCC) and supported by peer mentors. This hybrid approach integrates individualized mentorship with the collective experience of peer-led learning. We envision this as a key first step in becoming “internship ready.”

Students without prior research experience and/or have been excluded from adequate STEM opportunities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Program Details

Phase One (Spring Session with Jumpstart): Our Spring after-school sessions meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30pm — 7pm, February 27 through June 12, 2025. Students will be encouraged to develop and ask questions pertaining to scientific research, gain exposure to research skills and primary literature, and connect with dedicated scientist-mentors at The Rockefeller University.

Jumpstart is facilitated by Rockefeller trainees, with support from RockEDU staff. Furthermore, each Hunter x RockEDU Scholar will be paired with a Jumpstart Advocate — a practicing scientist who can provide educational and professional support beyond the mentorship each student receives in the learning laboratory.

Phase Two (Summer Session with the SSRP): During the summer session, Hunter x RockEDU Scholars move into the SSRP, spending up to 35 hours per week, June 23 through August 7, 2025. Students will be assigned to an SSRP research team consisting of high school and undergraduate students. All students will learn the foundations and experimental techniques necessary to carry out a research project in a team setting. 

Eligibility and Expectations

To be eligible for participation in the Hunter x RockEDU Scholars program, students must be enrolled as a freshman or sophomore at CUNY Hunter College.

Students accepted into the Hunter x RockEDU Scholars program must commit to participating for the entirety of the program — this includes both the spring and summer portions. We cannot accommodate part time participation.