Brooklyn Program
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The Brooklyn Program is a one-week intensive instructional and experiential learning opportunity for early high school students interested in exploring climate science through a lens of environmental and social justice.
Participant Information
What to Expect
This one-week program is an intensive instructional and experiential learning opportunity
for early high school students interested in exploring climate science through a lens
of environmental and social justice. The 5-day Brooklyn Program explores these topics
within New York City, visiting local institutions and organization throughout the
week. Created in partnership with SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry,
the Brooklyn Program is led by CUNY Medgar Evers College faculty and staff.
Through lecture and field trips each day students will gain hands on experience while
learning about academic and professional careers at the intersection of climate, environment,
and justice.
There is no cost to participate! The program covers all travel and lunches. All students will receive a stipend of $640 upon the successful completion of the program.
Institute and Daily Schedule
The 2026 summer sessions schedule is:
Session I: July 6 – 10
Session II: July 13 – 17
Session III: July 20– 24
Session IV: July 27-31
Session V: August 3-7
Session VI: August 10-14
While the final daily schedule will be released in June, here is what we did in 2025:
Day 1
Lefferts Historic House
Orientation and introduction to climate science and environmental justice.
- Field trip to Lefferts Historic House
Day 2
Association for Energy Affordability
Meeting with professionals working in environmental and social justice and learning about a program in the community.
- Field trip to Association for Energy Affordability
Day 3
Weeksville
Learn about social justice and engage in activities that use art to communicate about and advocate for social justice.
- Field trip to Weeksville
Day 4
Newtown Creek
Engage in activities to learn about environmental science and environmental justice.
- Field trip to Newtown Creek
Day 5
Governors Island
Spend all day on Governors Island engaging in hands on learning with local organizations.
- Field trip to Earth Matter Composting program and Billion Oyster Project
How to Apply
In order to apply for the Brooklyn Program you must be a current high school freshmen, sophomore or junior living in the five boroughs of New York City who will be between the ages of 14 and 17 at the time of participation in the program. Please have all of your materials prepared before beginning the application.
The application requires you to
- identify the sessions and dates you will be available,
- share information about who you are,
- have a teacher or mentor submit a recommendation letter and
- upload an essay of interest.
The essay should share what you hope to gain from the Institute, how participating will help prepare you to meet your future goals, and what you will bring to the Institute in terms of attitude and attributes. This essay should communicate your interests and passions and help the selection committee understand who you are. In your essay, be sure to address each element outlined above and should not exceed 2 pages.
If you are accepted to the program, you will receive an email asking you to fill out the acceptance packet. This will require support from your parents and may take some time to get all of the documents together. If you are unable to complete the acceptance packet within the timeline provided and need additional time, you need to be in communication with Timbuctoo leadership, otherwise your spot will be given to the waitlist.
Apply to Participate in the 2026 Brooklyn Program
Questions
Do you have more questions about participating in the program? If you have a question not included below, please reach out to us at [email protected]
What is the focus of the Timbuctoo Institute?
The Timbuctoo Institute is an intensive, educational summer program that focuses on climate and environmental science, climate and social justice, and related academic and professional career opportunities. It is not solely science focused and includes hands-on learning experiences for all topics explored through the Institute. You will meet and interact with multiple career professionals during the Institute, with whom you can form lasting connections.
What is the difference between the Adirondack Program and Brooklyn Program?
The Brooklyn Program is a day program based in New York City that runs for six, one-week sessions, while the Adirondack Program travels around New York State for 10 days during each three sessions. While the content themes are the same, many of the individuals, organizations, and activities differ. If you are trying to figure out which might be the best fit, please look at the websites for each program for more information.
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the program; those that successfully complete the program receive a stipend of $640 for the Brooklyn Program and $1,280 for the Adirondack Program.
How many students participate in each session?
Each session has space for 16 participants.
What is the target age range for participants?
The Institute is designed for high school students aged 14-17.
Is participation limited in any way?
The Institute is focused on serving students from across the five boroughs (Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island), and who are a part of historically and systemically marginalized communities.
Can I attend part of the program if I am not available the whole time?
No. The Adirondack and Brooklyn Programs are specifically designed for each day’s content and concepts to build upon the previous day’s content, so applicants should only select sessions for which they will be available for the entirety of the session. Stipends will only be issued to participants who successfully complete the full program.
Who should I contact with questions about the Institute?
Timbuctoo Leadership Team: [email protected]
What are the dates of this summer’s Institute sessions?
Session 1: July 6th-July 10th
Session 2: July 13th-July 17th
Session 3: July 20th-July 24th
Session 4: July 27th-July 31st
Session 5: August 3rd – August 7th
Session 6: August 10th – August 14th
What activities will they participate in?
Students will be engaged in a wide variety of activities throughout the week. This includes but is not limited to formal and informal instruction, indoor and outdoor experiential learning, group discussions, facilitated reflection sessions, and field trips and museum visits. Some specific activities include lab demonstrations, making compost, assessing water quality, and sampling species diversity in New York harbor oyster cages. Each day of the Institute experience, students will be introduced to and have an opportunity to learn from professionals in a variety of fields connected to climate science, social justice, environmental justice and more!
Interested in working for the Brooklyn Program?
The Brooklyn program is hiring for summer program assistants who work with participants all summer. Learn more about the job in the description liked below.
Apply to work with the Brooklyn Program
Title: Timbuctoo Institute Summer Program Assistant, Brooklyn Program
Department/Unit: Newcomb Campus / Northern Forest Institute
Location: The Timbuctoo Institute is based at ESF’s Newcomb Campus, in the Adirondacks, but will spend time during staff training and the institute itself in Syracuse, Kingston, and Brooklyn
Rate: $700/week, plus meals and lodging (pay dependent on additional responsibilities, ex. driving)
Duration: 12 weeks (June 1st – August 14th), potential for one week extension
Program Description:
The Timbuctoo Climate Science and Careers Summer Institute is an intensive educational summer program for high school students. The Brooklyn Program serves 6 cohorts of students in sequential 1-week sessions. The Institute provides opportunities for students from historically marginalized communities and focuses on environmental and social justice issues considered through the lens of climate science.
Brief Description of Duties:
Timbuctoo Summer Program Assistants work directly with ESF and MEC Staff, and Faculty to provide day to day logistical support including preparing and monitoring students, transportation, and some program delivery at MEC for up to 16 program participants during the 6, one-week sessions. Summer sessions will be preceded by up to 3 weeks of staff training.
Required Qualifications:
- Working with minors will require a criminal history background check in NYSED system (completed during the first week of staff training)
- Must be 18 years old or older
Job Requirements:
- Must be available from June 8th through August 14th (all staff will have the week of July 4th off)
- Ability to perform medium physical and manual labor (e.g. extended walking, lifting up to 50 pounds)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Enrolled as a full-time student at SUNY-ESF or Medgar Evers College; or a Timbuctoo Alumni
- Previous experience working with high-school aged populations including summer camp, outdoor education, community youth program, or other related experience
- Previous experience and work with environmental justice, social justice, and climate science
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- High degree of organization
To Apply:
- Submit a resume, two reference letters, and letter of application stating
- why you are interested in this position
- how being a part of this program will help you prepare to achieve your career goals
- what skills and attributes you will bring to the program. Format may be Word or PDF files
- Applications should be submitted online.
- For optimum consideration, applications should be submitted by Friday, January 9th
- Additional information and questions please contact the Timbuctoo team at [email protected]
Do you have any questions about working for the Brooklyn Program? Reach out to us at [email protected] with additional questions or anything else!
What is the Timbuctoo Institute?
The Timbuctoo Institute, founded in 2023, is a summer interdisciplinary program hosting high school students from systemically marginalized communities. Students explore climate science through a lens of environmental and social justice while learning about academic and professional career opportunities in these fields and at their intersections.
What is the Brooklyn Program?
The Brooklyn program is one of two existing programs housed under the Timbuctoo Institute. Both programs run concurrently. The Brooklyn program operates out of Medgar Evers College (MEC). From July 6th- August 14th, there will be six, one-week sessions, each hosting up to 16 students. Students explore climate, environment and justice issues through daily programing at MEC and through field trips around New York City. The Brooklyn program is a day-program, and housing is not provided.
What are the responsibilities of a Brooklyn Program Assistant?
Program Assistants, instructional staff and leadership staff are collectively always responsible for the care, management, safety and custody of students when they are with the Institute. Staff training is provided as a part of employment; all staff members need to be present and attentive. Program assistants are facilitators of the program, providing:
- Instructional support: lead small breakout sessions, ensuring participants are engaged, and enriching the learning experience when appropriate.
- Administrative support: log attendance, behavioral and general concerns; assist in the set-up and break-down activities; attend staff meetings.
- Student safety and supervision: monitor students throughout daily activities including during lunch, breaks and on field trips; provide mental health first aid and physical first aid as needed; assist in the resolution and management of interpersonal conflicts and create a supportive environment for participants.
Who do I Report to?
Program assistants report directly to the Program Coordinator and Site Manager. All staff work in a collegiate and respectful manner with open lines of communication among all staff.
What does the schedule look like?
For staff members, the Brooklyn program runs from June 15th to August 14th. The month of June is dedicated to training and follows the weekly schedule below.
- Week 1: Program overview and structure, staff roles and responsibilities, training modules, certifications
- Week 2: Program run through week 1
- Week 3: Week of July 4th Holiday off before beginning session 1
- Weeks 4-9: Summer sessions begin July 6th and run six (6) consecutive weeks, ending August 14th.
What activities will make up a typical day?
There will be a variety of activities throughout the week, but each of the six, one-week sessions follow the same schedule. Programming each day includes early morning set-up and student check-in followed by classroom instruction, experiential learning activities, and field trips. Each day ends with student check-out at MEC and occasional reflections.
What compensation can I expect from this employment?
The compensation is roughly $700/week depending on hours worked. This income is taxed according to NYS Progressive Tax guidelines. Lunch is provided each day of programming.
How do I apply to work for the institute?
You can apply by submitting an application through the link below:
Who should I contact with questions about employment opportunities with the Institute:
Please reach out to the leadership team at [email protected] with any questions. We are happy to help by providing additional information.
