North Shore-LIJ and Queens School Kick Off Second Year of Innovative Program

Students at Springfield Gardens Intermediate School 59Q are once again trading their classrooms for research laboratories and hospitals at the North Shore-LIJ Health System to gain hands-on science skills as they continue to participate in a unique community partnership to promote academic achievement.

Last October, North Shore-LIJ and IS-59Q piloted a 10-month program for 90 middle school students to enhance science learning and introduce adolescents to a variety of healthcare careers. With positive feedback from students, teachers and administrators, the program kicked off its second year at a recent dinner held at IS 59Q.

“Based on evaluations and feedback from students, it was extremely evident that the students had fun learning because they were very engaged with the hands-on activities and equipment they used – something IS 59 could not have afforded,” said Mr. Gordon. “The exposure to North Shore-LIJ staff members and the different facilities also enriched the learning process. Having accompanied several groups of students during fieldwork, I know their experiences will always be remembered for a lifetime.”

Dr. Gallo said the North Shore-LIJ Health System, through its Center for Learning and Innovation, is committed to the partnership. “We are thrilled to invest the time and resources in education in our community to encourage science learning among the next generation of potential clinicians, researchers or healthcare professionals.”

One of the unintended outcomes of the program, Dr. Gallo said, was the development of a two-week internship for a small group of highly motivated students that was held in July. “We had several students who said that they wanted to become a pediatrician or doctor. Through a rigorous selection process with IS 59, North Shore-LIJ created a program to continue the learning process over the summer and invigorate students’ interests.” A total of 14 interns participated in the program, with 50 percent of their time spent at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research. Students also visited the Patient Safety Institute, the Center for Tobacco Control, The Hagedorn Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Center, the Alzheimer’s Unit and the health system’s photographic and video studio.

Every Thursday during the school year, sixth, seventh and eighth graders travel by bus to North Shore-LIJ facilities to learn about various medical specialties, research and technologies. Taught by experts in the field, lessons complement the New York City public school science curriculum and provide students with new learning opportunities and expose them to science and healthcare careers. IS 59Q science teachers accompany students to North Shore-LIJ sites, enabling them to sharpen their skills through interactions with healthcare professionals and researchers.

While there is some classroom instruction involved in the science program, students are mainly involved in interactive activities. For example, to learn about diabetes and the pancreas, students conduct tests to measure blood-glucose levels in a fully-equipped laboratory. This year’s classes will be held at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research in Manhasset, North Shore-LIJ’s Patient Safety Institute and Core Laboratory in Lake Success, the Center for Emergency Management Services in Syosset, STARS, a rehabilitation facility in East Meadow, and other sites.

The IS 59Q-North Shore-LIJ partnership is supported in part by the Center for Educational Innovation – Public Education Association (CEI-PEA), New York City-based nonprofit organization that creates successful public schools and educational programs.

Media Contact: Betty Olt, 516-465-2645, bolt@nshs.edu