Student Programs

The Upstate Institute connects Colgate students with more than 200 community partners on research projects exploring issues facing organizations in the upstate region of New York through our Summer Field School and student programs designed to provide experience working with community partners specializing in areas such as law, taxes, and literacy.

Upstate Institute Summer Field School

Our summer field school allows students to remain in the region over the summer to work with community organizations on research projects in a variety of sectors. The work these students do furthers their education and gives them real-world experience, while simultaneously providing community partners with beneficial services to strengthen the region.

Learn more about the Summer Field School

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

The VITA program trains students to assist others with the filing of personal income tax returns. Students then put their training to work assisting local low-income families with the filing of their tax returns.

Learn more about the VITA program

Consumer Bankruptcy Law Project

Students can gain legal experience as undergraduates by working with individuals facing significant debt from the loss of job, medical costs, or the actions of an abusive ex-spouse. Students assist low-income clients with the compilation of their initial Chapter 7 bankruptcy paperwork.

Learn more about the Consumer Bankruptcy Law Project

Colgate Reads Project

The Upstate Institute and the Max A. Shacknai Center for Outreach, Volunteerism and Education (COVE) have developed a literacy program at Colgate in partnership with Madison Elementary School.

Funding for Community-Based Student Research

We support engagement in the community within the framework of an academic course in a variety of ways, including providing funding for students doing research in the Upstate New York region.