Our Story

At the heart of innovation and equitable STEM learning opportunity in New York City, the High School Initiative in Remote Sensing of the Earth Systems Engineering and Sciences (HIRES) was launched in 2013 under the auspices of the CUNY Remote Sensing Earth Systems Institute (CREST) at The City College of New York (CCNY) funded by the Pinkerton Foundation. We were founded as part of the AmNH Science Research Mentorship Consortium (SRMC) to bridge high school ambitions with college-level authentic research experience combined with classroom training, empowering NYC’s diverse young scholars—especially those from historically underrepresented, underserved and first-generation communities—to explore earth systems science and remote sensing through real research and mentorship.

Our inception grew from a recognition: talented high school students often lack access to rigorous STEM experiences that connect the classroom to global challenges, and most often decide to not pursue a STEM career. HIRES was created to change that. Through hands-on satellite data interpretation, field-based investigations, and guidance from CCNY faculty and graduate mentors, participants gain more than technical skills—they gain a vision of themselves as scientists, innovators, and leaders.

From early summer intensives to year-round support, HIRES offers a comprehensive pipeline: credit-earning courses, stipends, peer-and-mentor networks, and pathways into higher education and STEM careers. Over two decades of experience in workforce development, diversity & inclusion, and environmental sciences Dr. Merchant, the founding director of HIRES, ensures that our commitment to equitable access and transformative outcomes is underpinned.

Our story is one of collaboration—between high schools across the five boroughs, CCNY faculty, graduate students, government and industry partners—all united around the mission of expanding who gets to participate and lead in STEM. It is a story still unfolding, as new cohorts of students step into our lab spaces, field-sites, and virtual platforms, ready to make their mark.

Join us. Whether you’re a high school student curious about the atmosphere, oceans, or engineering; a teacher looking to expand your classroom; or a funder committed to justice through science—HIRES invites you into the next chapter of our story.