The Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship (WERM) program offered by Wave Hill is a 14-month paid program designed for high school students with a strong interest in scientific research and the urban environment. The main objective of the program is to provide students with in-depth knowledge of ecological principles and scientific research methods. This is achieved through three distinct phases, each designed to build upon the students’ abilities as ecologists and researchers. The program's curriculum is structured around three college courses: Restoration of New York City’s Natural Areas, Mapping New York City’s Urban Environment—An Introduction to GIS, and Research Methods. These courses are intertwined with fieldwork activities and independent, mentored research projects. Key topics include forest ecology, basic botany, soil science, geology of New York City’s natural areas, the history of NYC's natural areas, invasive species, and current research. The coursework is delivered through a combination of formal instruction in the classroom or computer lab and hands-on fieldwork in Wave Hill's woodland. The WERM program begins in July and concludes in August the following year, requiring a commitment to all three phases of the program. The first phase, which runs from July to August, involves the first two college courses and fieldwork activities. The third course, Research Methods, is delivered during the final phase of the program. Applicants must be high school students, 16 years old by May, be New York City residents eligible to work in the United States, and demonstrate a strong interest in science research and the urban environment. They should also have the ability and motivation to work independently. Upon completion of the program, participants not only gain academic credit for one college course, but they also acquire practical skills in ecological research methods and urban environment studies. The program strives to address barriers in science and environmental work, promoting diversity and inclusion in these fields. Furthermore, participants receive approximately $3,500, paid across the length of the program, and gain access to career and college advice and training, as well as the Wave Hill alumni network.