Semester Programs are partnerships with Title I high schools and organizations serving at-risk youth that blend classroom instruction with hands-on fieldwork. Programs cover themes such as Sky Island Ecology, Urban Ecology, or other local science topics. University of Arizona graduate student instructors meet with groups regularly throughout the semester to guide participants through subject matter and the process of designing and conducting their own research projects. Programming typically includes a mix of in-class lessons and outdoor investigations in schoolyards or nearby parks, giving participants the opportunity to apply scientific concepts in real-world settings. The programs sometimes culminate in a multi-day experience on Mt. Lemmon, where participants carry out field research and present their findings in a final Research Symposium. These programs foster critical thinking, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of how science works in both local and broader contexts.