Training high school students in environmental health and justice
Official title: Bronx Environmental Health Summer Training for Justice
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11058265 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The BestJustice program is a fun summer opportunity for high school students in the Bronx and Manhattan to learn how to build air and noise monitors, helping them tackle local pollution issues while also getting a taste of science and technology careers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $132,347 |
| NIH project number | 1R25ES036012-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058265 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are high school students from environmental justice communities in the Bronx and Manhattan, particularly those interested in STEM fields.
✕Less likely to help
Students not residing in the targeted environmental justice communities or those not interested in STEM education may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
The Bronx Environmental Health Summer Training for Justice (BestJustice) program aims to empower high school students from environmental justice communities in the Bronx and Manhattan. This initiative provides hands-on training in building air pollution and noise monitors, allowing students to engage in citizen science projects that address local environmental issues. By partnering with Columbia University and local organizations, the program also offers opportunities for students to participate in a summer STEM program, enhancing their educational and career prospects. The program seeks to combat the effects of pollution and promote higher education among marginalized communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved educational opportunities and environmental awareness for students in underserved communities.
How similar studies have gone: Similar initiatives have shown success in engaging students in STEM education and community science, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hilpert, Markus — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Hilpert, Markus
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.