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The
Summer SEARCH program provides high school students with the
opportunity to learn while conducting environmental field
investigations. Research projects are designed by Department of
Environmental Protection staff. While attending the 5-day program,
students camp out, prepare their own meals, and work out the details of
living and working as a team. Each investigation requires a variety of
skills and knowledge. Students provide their energy, intelligence,
enthusiasm and support to complete each project.
In 1991, Summer SEARCH received the Roger Tory Peterson Award as a noteworthy program. Nearly all students who attend the program go on to college, and many pursue careers in environmental science. Former SEARCH participants have worked with black bears in South Carolina, endangered coral reefs in the South Pacific, wildlife in Africa, or they have gone to work with environmental protection agencies in USA. The SEARCH program helped provide these students with the encouragement and experience to continue their education in environmental studies.
Each week 15 to 17 high school students participate in the program. There is usually an even mix of young men and women. Students camp on site, prepare their own meals, arrange their schedules and work as a group to complete the research projects. Students enjoy much of the same freedom and responsibilities found on most college campuses. Summer SEARCH participants do not have to be straight-A students, but need to have common sense, motivation, maturity, and commitment to the group and to the environment.
What Types of
Research Do Students Do?Each year the CT DEP looks for scientific researchers that can benefit from the students' participation. Most of the principal researchers come from museums, universities, or federal and state agencies. Previous projects include reptile and amphibian research for the Museum of Natural History in New York, fish population counts for the CT DEP, and invasive plant counts for the University of Connecticut. The Principal Researcher develops the methods to be used and trains the councilors and camp assistants. The participating students learn these protocols from the camp staff. The camp staff also lead the students during all components of field research.
Summer SEARCH programs are based at different state forest or park facilities. These facilities include shelter, showers, and bathrooms. In previous years, the program has utilized Hammonasset State Park and Bent of the River Audubon Sanctuary.
Four one-week sessions, during July and August.
The director of Summer SEARCH is Alberto Mimo, Director of the Center for Environmental Research Education. SEARCH staff is generally current or recent college students involved in biology or environmental science. Some staff are former participants in Summer SEARCH, who can confirm how participation in the program influenced their college and career decisions.
Yes. There is a $350 fee. It covers the cost of staff, food, camping equipment, program expenses, scientific equipment and transportation.
There are a limited number of $50 and $100 scholarships for students with demonstrated need. Students are asked to pay at least $250 to help provide a sense of individual commitment, responsibility and ownership.
If you are interested in participating in the Summer SEARCH program, you need to:
Your letter will be the most important factor for your acceptance. Remember, this is a competitive program.
Click here for Summer Search Brochure 2007Participating Project SEARCH teachers through out Connecticut
receive application forms for students during early spring. For more
information, contact Alberto Mimo at alberto.mimo@po.state.ct.us.
Center for Environmental Research Education, P.O Box 435,
500 Hawthorne
Ave. Derby, CT 06418. Phone: 203.734.2513
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Page Last Updated 1/10/08
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