Engaging Ithaca teens in social science research: PRYDE at New Roots High School

This spring, PRYDE is launching an exciting new partnership with New Roots Charter School, a public high school in Downtown Ithaca. Facilitated by undergraduate PRYDE Scholars, all students in the New Roots class of 2027 will take part in the Youth Investigators Program, an interactive workbook curriculum aimed at equipping teens with social science research skills.

Implemented over the course of eight sessions, New Roots students will be empowered with the skills to ask questions about their lives, perform quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection, and disseminate their findings to promote change in their communities. The Youth Investigators Program also offers hands-on practice in media literacy and research ethics, preparing teens to think critically about the science and research findings that they experience in their everyday lives.

The Youth Investigators Program at New Roots will be facilitated by PRYDE Scholars Reagan Allvin ‘26, Fiona Tracy ‘25, and Hopper Kendregan ‘26. Scholars responsible for evaluating the program — and providing other forms of crucial behind-the-scenes support — include Daniela Arredondo-Sanchez ‘26, Jennifer Gerfen ‘26, Jiayi Guo ‘26, and Jules Iwasko ‘26.

PRYDE is thrilled to work with New Roots students and teachers on this exciting opportunity for youth. Huge thanks to New Roots’ Kris Erickson, Eliza Salamon, Eleanor Riggs, and Elisa Collins Zinda — for their incredible support with program implementation!