Developing Students and Citizens

• Courses
  • Global Environment Course Registration
• Teachers
• Mentor and Staff Bios
• Costs and Support
• Guaranteed Admissions & Scholarships
• Field Research Program
• What Students Say about ESFHS
• Contact Us

Environmental problems make headlines every day. Do you want to understand the complex scientific and social issues behind the headlines and contribute to solving the problems? Do you hope to help shape the environmental future for the 21st Century and beyond? If so, the ESF in the High School and ESF Science Corps programs can help you reach your goals.

The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) located in Syracuse, New York, is one of only nine doctoral-granting institutions in the sixty-four campus State University of New York (SUNY) system. ESF is an urban campus with eight regional campuses and field stations distributed across 25,000 acres in Central and Northern New York, ranging from the Appalachian highlands and Great Lakes basin to the St. Lawrence River and the Adirondack Mountains.  As a result, ESF is one of the largest campuses in the U.S. dedicated to education, research and demonstration in environmental science, engineering and technology, policy and management, and planning and design.  ESF is the SUNY Sustainable and Renewable Energy Center.

ESF is ranked among the nation's top universities in the 2006 edition of U.S. News and World Report's annual list of America's Best Colleges. ESF (along with SUNY Binghamton and Stony Brook) was among the “Best National Universities” and one of the Top 50 Public National Universities. U.S. News ranked ESF 50^th in the "Great Schools, Great Price" category for national universities, and 4^th on the list of “Highest Proportion of Classes under 20 in National Universities.” 

We are proud to serve New York State students and educators through the ESF in the High School and ESF Science Corps program

What is ESF in the High School?

A school/college partnership program that enables qualified students to

• experience college-level course work while still in high school.
• understand the complex scientific and social perspectives behind the environmental issues that make headlines every day such as the relationship between energy and the environment.
• learn about and explore diverse interests and career opportunities in environmental science, engineering, management, policy and design - and in related areas such as law, communications, technology and medicine.

What is the ESF Science Corps? 

For affiliated schools, the ESF Science Corps volunteers are science resources for teachers and students who are engaging in original inquiry.  Science Corps members are “front line,” in-school role models and resources for students whose college and career plans are taking shape.  Funded initially by a National Science Foundation grant, the ESF Science Corps is comprised of ESF undergraduate, masters and Ph.D. students, faculty and other volunteers. ESF Science Corps members integrate their research and professional experiences into classroom, lab and field experiences through in-school, on-campus and workplace presentations, discussions and demonstrations. ESF faculty and educational specialists serve as Science Corps facilitators and mentors.

We invite you to learn more about the remarkable breadth and depth of ESF's academic, research and public service programs, and to explore the potential ESF in the High School and the ESF Science Corps hold for you.

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ESF in the High School Courses

Courses include ESF's environmental science course, Global Environment (EFB 120, 3 college credits) and Writing and the Environment (CLL 190, 3 credits) Key environmental science themes and critical thinking skills form the basis for classroom and experiential learning activities. Global Environment's interdisciplinary approach reflects our enduring belief that all students, regardless of their specific college and career paths, will benefit from an understanding of the linkages among human social systems and biophysical systems.

Students explore the relationships between their local rural, urban, and suburban communities and the broad global context of environmental change. Opportunities abound for including course topics based on available local and regional resources as well as teacher interests, expertise, and experiences. Ultimately, we seek to develop students and citizens who have a solid understanding of science and a sense of wonder and appreciation for the Earth as a system.

EFB 120 may be taught as a half-year Fall, half-year Spring, or full-year course.  Classes have opportunities for day field trips to ESF’s main campus, regional campuses such as Wanakena in the Adirondacks and field stations, as well as in-school presentations and demonstrations by ESF faculty, staff and students. Students and teachers receive on-site use and borrowing privileges at the ESF library. ESF in the High School students are held to the same academic expectations as students at SUNY ESF.

• Prerequisites: Global Environment (EFB 120) students must have successfully completed NYS Regents Earth Science, NYS Regents Biology, and have successfully completed—or be concurrently enrolled in—NYS Regents Chemistry.
• Prerequisites: Writing and the Environment (CLL 190) students must have successfully completed NYS Regents English. 
• Credits and grades earned are recorded as part of each student's permanent college academic record which can be transferred to other college and universities throughout the U.S. Official Transcripts that indicate that the courses completed are college-level courses with college credit, are available through the ESF Registrars' office. While acceptance at other colleges and universities is not and cannot be guaranteed, credits earned with grades of C or higher typically can be applied to undergraduate degree requirements at many colleges and universities.

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ESF in the High School Teachers

• Adjunct Department of the ESF in the High School Program

ESF in the High School Teachers are qualified high school teachers who must earn an appointment as an ESF adjunct instructor. They teach their ESF in the High School course in their school as part of the high school schedule. Teachers participate in mentoring and professional development relationships with ESF faculty and educational specialists, and with other ESF in the High School teachers. Participating teachers and students form learning communities through which they share information, teaching/learning experiences, and related ideas and materials. Each participating teacher receives

• Opportunities to bring ESF Science Corps volunteers to their classes 
• An ESF photo ID Card
• Onsite use and borrowing privileges at the ESF library
• Parking privileges on the ESF campus
• Mentoring, course preparation, and consultation with College faculty and staff throughout the academic year
• Professional Development opportunities specifically designed for - and with ESF in the High School teachers. In addition, adjunct instructors may participate in other ESF faculty professional development programs

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Mentor and Staff Bios

Click HERE for a PDF of the Mentor and Staff Profiles (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).

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Costs and Financial Support

High School/District responsibilities include the appropriate support for students and teachers normally provided for any course offered by the district such as a suitable classroom, an appropriately scheduled class meeting time, preparation time, field trip(s) and required textbooks.

Students costs are based on the number of courses taken. Financial aid is available for students who qualify for the school lunch program. Completed registration forms are collected by teachers or other designated school official.  Parents/guardians are billed directly for registration fees which are paid in full by credit card or personal checks made payable to SUNY ESF.

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Guaranteed Admission & Scholarships

Guaranteed Admission to ESF: interested students who complete an ESF in the High School course, meet the associated criteria, and complete the application process by January 15th will be guaranteed freshmen admission to the ESF.

Special ESF in the High School scholarships are available to support students’ college educational expenses.

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Field Research Program

The ESF in the High School Field Research Program enables ESF in the High School students and their teachers to learn about and experience science research conducted by ESF faculty and staff. An additional registration and fee is required to accommodate room and board. Contact the ESF in the High School office for information about upcoming dates and details..  Many programs have been hosted at ESF’s Adirondack campuses in the past,

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What Students Say about ESF in the High School

Past and current ESF in the High School students report that the most valued aspects of the program include

• The course itself - discussing and exploring topics of personal and social interest and importance
• Experiencing the challenge of college-level work
• Developing time management skills
• Experiential learning and related research skills
• Developing writing and communication skills
• Taking a course from a great teacher
• The advantage of entering college with college credits already earned
• Developing confidence working with College faculty and graduate students

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Contact Us

Students, parents and educators from rural, urban, and suburban schools are welcome to contact us about becoming an ESF in the High School partner and/or an ESF Science Corps affiliate school. Dr. Rick Beal, Associate Director, Educational Outreach