Columbia University and its community partners are actively strengthening Upper Manhattan and the Bronx through a range of initiatives focused on youth empowerment, environmental justice, and health education. These efforts include expanding STEM opportunities for local children, addressing critical climate change issues, and creating pathways for underrepresented students in healthcare.
A notable example is Stephanie Farmer, who founded Triple F Empowerment, Inc., a Columbia Community Service grantee, in 2012. Her Ms. Steph's Science Club provides hands-on STEAM experiences for Harlem youth, reaching 980 unique children this year and nearly 10,000 since its inception. Farmer's journey from aspiring musician to dedicated volunteer highlights a commitment to filling educational gaps in the community.
Furthering community engagement, the 9th biannual Climate Change Conference, held on August 5 as part of Harlem Week, brought together the Columbia Climate School, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, and City College of New York. Discussions emphasized integrating community voices into environmental justice planning. Additionally, the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) celebrated its 2026 cohort in July at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, marking 37 years of creating healthcare pathways for 80 college students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
The Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC) program, launched in 2013, continues to connect high school students from Upper Manhattan and the South Bronx with Columbia neuroscientists for immersive STEM learning. Other highlights include Columbia Engineering's 2026 Senior Design Expo, featuring an upgraded drainage system proposal for Morningside Park, and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory's surprising findings on air quality in New York City. These ongoing programs and upcoming events underscore Columbia's deep commitment to its neighboring communities.