PRYDE Scholars Program

The Experience

The PRYDE Scholars Program is a two-year research experience for juniors and seniors in the Cornell College of Human Ecology. PRYDE Scholars are matched with a community-engaged and youth-focused Cornell research lab, gain hands-on experience in research-practice partnerships, and take part in a four-semester seminar on translational research in the field of youth work.

PRYDE Scholars will:

• Receive a stipend each semester, with opportunities to apply for additional funding (i.e: summer stipend, conference and travel funds);

• Be paired and work closely with a youth development research lab in the College of Human Ecology (typically 6+ hours per week);

• Complete PRYDE-led courses on positive youth development, translational research, and professional development;

• Learn how findings from basic research can be applied to address real world concerns in the area of youth development;

• And, by working with PRYDE’s community partners (including NYS 4-H and others), effect positive change in the lives of youth in New York State and beyond.

Benefits of becoming a pryde scholar:

• Form personal relationships, receive mentorship, and develop a professional network of Cornell staff, faculty researchers, and youth development practitioners from across New York State.

• Become part of a tight-knit cohort with other PRYDE Scholars.

• Access professional development opportunities (alumni networking, graduate school application workshops, PRYDE social events, etc.).

• Training and hands-on experience with youth program development, implementation, and evaluation.

• Travel to engage in community youth development projects within a variety of educational settings (classrooms and after-school clubs).

• Hone leadership, communication, collaboration, and critical assessment skills — applicable to any career trajectory, especially those involving community-engagement, translational research, and/or youth work.

To hear about the program experience from the perspective of former PRYDE Scholars, listen to this podcast episode, where students reflect on their growth as translational, youth-focused researchers.

Become a PRYDE Scholar!

Each spring, sophomores in the College of Human Ecology are invited to apply for the PRYDE Scholars program. Selection is based upon responses to several essay questions, recommendation letters, resume/CV, and academic achievement.

Qualifications to Apply:

• Current sophomore.

• Student in the College of Human Ecology.

• Be in good academic standing.

• Willing and able to commit to a two-year program (i.e: lasting the entirety of your junior and senior years).

Applications for the PRYDE Scholars Program will re-open in Spring 2025.

Berns PRYDE Scholars

Annually, two PRYDE Scholars are selected as Berns PRYDE Scholars, supported by the Michael W. and Roberta M. Berns PRYDE Student Research Fund. Berns PRYDE Scholars will participate in translational research projects that facilitate community partnerships. Berns PRYDE Scholars will engage in meaningful research, professional development, and develop the skills and resources to foster research-practice partnerships.

The 2024 Berns PRYDE Scholars were Promise Woods ’25 and Jennifer Navarro Chavez ’25. During the summer, they worked to continue the New York State 4-H Contribution Project which gives 4-H youth the opportunity to make a contribution that is meaningful to them.

Alumni Cohorts

Class of 2024

Class of 2023

Class of 2022

Class of 2021

Class of 2020

Class of 2019

Class of 2018