Jen Rubbo, Director of the Environmental Cooperative, has secured a Youth Grant from the City of Poughkeepsie in support of the Cooperative's “Exploring Science” program, which provides outdoor learning experiences to Poughkeepsie K-12 youth at the Vassar Preserve.

Vassar has been running the Exploring Science school-year program since 1982. In 2021 Exploring Science expanded to bring children to the Preserve during the summer months. Collaboration with community organizations is an important aspect of this expansion. Children participating in other established, Poughkeepsie-based youth programs visit the Preserve for a field trip. This offers an opportunity for children in the community to unplug and appreciate nature while supporting current youth programming in the City of Poughkeepsie. Moreover, the Cooperative hires undergraduate students to teach in Exploring Science and other education programs, providing real-world training experience for students.

The Exploring Science Summer program consists of a 3.5 hour visit to the Preserve. Participants begin their visit at the Environmental Cooperative at the Vassar Barns for a program that includes a hike, outdoor activities, and nature-based games, arts and crafts, as well as a healthy snack. All program activities encourage participants to “think like a scientist” by increasing their observational skills and asking questions. Participants are introduced to the different habitats on the preserve such as forests, ponds, streams, and meadows. Exploring Science strives to provide positive experience in nature and encourage an understanding that nature is everywhere, even in urban areas like Poughkeepsie.