How to Apply

This program places M.S. in Biology graduate students into schools as a part of their training in science. Graduate LINKS Fellows receive stipends of up to $10,000 and either a partial or full tuition scholarship. Fellows work with children's educators from the Wagner Free Institute of Science and elementary school teachers to develop and present science lessons to children in grades K-6. The lessons are organized into semester-long units, which include Environmental Science themes. Fellows and their faculty mentors serve as content resources for the Wagner educators and the public school teachers, and are role models and teachers for the children. In addition, Wagner educators and public school teachers assist Fellows in becoming familiar with pedagogical methods in K-6 education and with working in urban schools.

To be eligible for the Fellowships, Graduate Fellows must be accepted into the Biology Graduate Program (preferably the M.S. program).  For more information about the graduate program, contact Dr. Edwin Li at eli@sju.edu.

No prior experience with K-6 education is required, but reliability, flexibility and a willingness to work as part of a multidisciplinary, multicultural team are necessary.

• Receive training during a workshop in August
• Be involved in training sessions throughout the academic year
• Meet bi-weekly with the program staff
• Lead discussions on topics relevant to their activities
• Implement hands-on science lessons in the classroom
• Develop necessary instructional materials
• Participate in ongoing assessment activities of the program
• Spend 10 - 15 hours per week on their duties

Fellowship duties require driving to the Wagner Free Institute of Science and Philadelphia Public Schools.  Fellows are required to provide their own transportation.

For graduate Fellows, these duties replace the lab preparation and teaching duties normally performed as a part of paid assistantships.

Contact Dr. Edwin Li (eli@sju.edu) for more information about the application process, including the application form.

Please note you must also complete the standard SJU Application for Admission to the Biology Graduate Program. This may be requested from the Graduate Admission office.