Education and Engagement
Over the next three decades, Columbia's proposed development of the old Manhattanville manufacturing area would transform underused blocks into a new center for academic and civic life.
Although much about the redevelopment is still being discussed, key elements of the first phase of construction, which is projected to be completed by 2015, are coming into focus. One of those is construction of the Jerome L. Greene Science Center, a world center for neuroscience research that could yield new insights into brain functioning and potential cures for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Columbia is also working in partnership with the New York City Department of Education to develop a University-assisted public math, science, and engineering secondary school that will serve some 650 high-performing local students. The project area would include a new site for the school, which is slated to open for some grades in September 2007 in temporary space.
Learners of all ages could participate in continuing education programs provided by the University, local schools, and community organizations.
And local residents and other New Yorkers would work here, shop here, and travel across open, lively streets connecting Harlem to a revitalized Hudson River waterfront.
In partnership with several community organizations, Columbia provides education services such as tutoring and mentoring throughout Upper Manhattan; learn more about these programs here.
Did You Know?
A Columbia University student volunteer tutors a local high school student in preparation for the SAT.
- Columbia's Double Discovery Center serves more than 1,000 students each year through its two youth education programs, Talent Search and Upward Bound.
- Through the summer of 2005, 212 science teachers have participated in Columbia's Summer Research Program for Science Teachers. Teachers completing the program return to their classrooms with a renewed sense of purpose and an increased appreciation for the process of scientific discovery.
- S-PREP, an educational and motivational program at Columbia University Medical Center, provides an academically rigorous college-enrichment experience for minority and economically disadvantaged high-school students, grades 9 through 12, who are interested in science, medicine, or related health professions.
- Each summer, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) hosts approximately 40 high-school students from around the world, who work on service learning projects that benefit Upper Manhattan communities.
- Columbia Law School and Columbia Business School jointly sponsor Harlem Tutorial Program, a volunteer/mentoring program that works in partnership with the Life Sciences Secondary School in East Harlem to provide tutoring and serve as role models for high-school students.
- Hundreds of Harlem youth have taken part in Columbia's StreetSquash, an after-school enrichment program that combines squash instruction, community service, homework assistance, and one-on-one mentoring.