# Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP)

Free six-week summer program with stipends at Columbia's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory: NYC-area high school students join tiered research teams doing wetlands field science at Piermont Marsh with Columbia researchers.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Columbia University Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory |
| Category | stem |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 10–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Palisades, NY |
| Apply | https://lamont.columbia.edu/education-outreach/student-summer-opportunities-SSFRP |

## About this program

# Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP)

The Secondary School Field Research Program brings high school students, undergraduates, and science teachers to Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory campus in Palisades, New York each summer for six weeks of field and laboratory research. Founded in 2006, the program centers on Piermont Marsh on the Hudson River, where student teams investigate the ecology and physical processes of a living wetland.

## What You'll Do

- Join a research team of high school students, undergraduate mentors, a teacher contact, and a Lamont researcher
- Conduct fieldwork at Piermont Marsh - studies span sediment accumulation, groundwater chemistry, nutrient cycling, bacteria levels, fish populations and feeding patterns, and invasive plant distributions
- Analyze samples and data in Lamont-Doherty laboratories
- Present your team's findings at the program's culminating sessions

## Who Should Apply

Students passionate about field science who are currently enrolled in high school and at least 16 years old at the start of the internship; the program draws heavily from New York City schools. Participation is free and students receive stipends. The 2026 application deadline was March 2, 2026; the next cycle typically reopens in winter.

## Outcomes

About 40-50 percent of SSFRP alumni attempt science or engineering majors, and nearly every graduate has gone on to college. Students leave with real field-research experience at a world-renowned earth science institution, a tiered mentoring network from Columbia researchers to undergraduate near-peers, and a presented research project.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP) cost?

Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP) is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP)?

Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP) is open to high school students in grades 10–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP) online or in person?

Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP) is an in-person program based in Palisades, NY.

### How do I apply to Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP)?

Apply directly through Columbia University Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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