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.
Summer Field School
As an Upstate Institute Field School Fellow, students are responsible for building relationships in the local community while completing independent research work on innovative projects that provide a community benefit. Students strengthen their skills while building the capacity of the community organization with which they are working. The Field School allows students to develop a deeper understanding of the issues facing Upstate New York and a stronger appreciation for what the region has to offer.
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.
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.
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.