What is The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation?
The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation (WWNFF), an independent, nonprofit organization, attempts to maximize human potential through education. The Foundation seeks to sponsor excellence in education and thus develop a new generation of leaders. The Foundation's three broad areas of concern are Graduate Education and the Public Good, Equity and Excellence, and Partnerships for Learning.

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What is the Leadership Program for Teachers (LPT)?
The Leadership Program for Teachers (LPT) was created in 1982 with a month long residential CORE (COntent-driven Reform in Education) chemistry institute for high school teachers, funded by the Dreyfus Foundation. Since 1982, LPT has brought middle and high school teachers to New Jersey for CORE institutes in history, mathematics, and the sciences. LPT advances education by reinvigorating teachers, strengthening their commitment to the teaching profession, and encouraging the joy of lifelong learning.

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General

Can I bring my family/partner with me to CORE?
No, we can only accommodate participants. Have your family join you at the end of the institute for a vacation at that time.

What kinds of things can I do for my 20 hour commitment?
You can teach your colleagues how to create a web page; converse with groups after school on new techniques you are incorporating into your classrooms, organize hands-on in-service workshops, develop standards-based curricula, and so on. You will work with your institute colleagues to plan these activities. 

Do I have to apply for the CORE Institute as part of a team?
We encourage teams, but accept individual applications.

Are teachers outside the United States eligible to apply?
We can only accept applications from candidates who teach in US schools, US territories, or Department of Defense Schools.

Do I have to stay for the entire institute?
We can only accept applicants willing to attend the ENTIRE institute.

Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed.

I would like a private dorm room because of my sleeping habits. May I have one?
In Princeton and Lawrenceville, we try to cooperate if the case warrants but private rooms may not be air-conditioned. Everyone sleeps in dormitories in Costa Rica.

I missed applying for graduate credit the year I attended the CORE institute. May I apply now?
The policy has been to apply for graduate credit at the end of the institute, but you may write to Geri Marchioni

What is the dress code?
Dress is casual.

We’ll be doing a research project in collaboration with university researchers. Will it be a part of their actual research?
The work you do with researchers will be based on their research and interests. The timespan of the institute does not allow participants to take part in on-going research.

Environmental Science in Costa Rica

Do I need a passport for Costa Rica?
Yes! Start right now if you don’t already have one.

Should I get shots for Costa Rica?
No shots are required to enter the country, but check with your family physician because there are precautions you may want to take, including for Hepatitis A.

How much baggage can I bring?
Summer participants should bring *no more than* one carry-on-sized bags (to store in the baggage section of the van) plus a backpack or a small duffel (to carry on the van with you). Women should include their purse/ handbag in the backpack.

Should I bring all the baggage you mention?
If you can do with less, less is more! You’ll be moving several times from site to site. Plus you’re traveling in a small van with limited luggage capacity, some of which is used by group supplies.

Can I wash my clothes?
Yes! Do-it-yourself washing is free at La Selva. It's $8 for a good-sized bag of washing at Las Cruces. There are no washing facilities at Palo Verde. You can have things washed at the hotel in San Jose, too. It’s more expensive than the field stations but inexpensive per USA hotel rates.

What should I bring?
T-shirts, shorts, long pants, sweatshirt or sweater, swimsuit, sturdy shoes (tennis shoes or hiking shoes), tevas or flip flops, socks, rain hat, poncho, and umbrella. Stuff for *one* week because you can wash each week. You’ll also need sunscreen, bug spray, personal toiletries, personal medical supplies such as Band-Aids, aspirin, vitamins, topical antifungal medicines. Also a flashlight with extra batteries, water bottle, binoculars and pocket size field notebooks.

What are the "rules" at La Selva (the rain forest station)?
Stay on the path; wear sturdy shoes (not sandals); and carry a flashlight at night.

What are accommodations like?
July is the busy season so there are no extra rooms.

At La Selva you will stay in a room with bunk beds and a single bed (for up to eight people). Some storage space. Lamps on the lower bunks but not on the uppers. A desk with one lamp. A unisex bathroom with a couple of toilets and a shower between each room. Spartan. Your group might not all be together but you’ll be very close. The cafeteria is about 25 yards away. The birds and the howler monkeys will wake you early each morning.

At Palo Verde you will stay in a brand-new bunkhouse built on National Forest land. It is self contained including meeting rooms and showers and toilets. It’s about a ten minute walk from the main camp. If there are any problems (too much rain, for instance) your group can request to be vanned to the dining room. However, the walk takes you among mango trees, monkeys, wetlands (flora, birds and cattle interacting) and other phenomena that brought you to Costa Rica in the first place.

At Las Cruces you’ll be in a self-contained unit, this time with tiny gift store, small library, and (some) Internet access thrown in. Rooms will be Spartan (as at La Selva and Palo Verde). Most rooms - but not all -- are on the second floor; showers and most toilets are on the first floor. 

What’s the food like?
Great and authentic! You’ll eat cafeteria style at La Selva, family style at tables of eight or so at Palo Verde and Las Cruces.  Arrive on time for meals because everyone is hungry and they might eat it all before you get there.

Will I have Internet access?
Not really. WWNFF will make sure that each group has access for needed communication for the goals of the institute, but we don’t guarantee moment to moment access even for the groups. *Don’t count on accessing your personal e-mail or the WWW.*

How can I call home?
You can buy a card once you arrive in Costa Rica but you won’t have much access at the stations. Plan to call when at the hotel and when you arrive back at the hotel at the end of your stay.

What will the weather be?
July is the rainy season. La Selva gets three meters of rain a year and Las Cruces gets four meters of rain a year.

At Palo Verde in the rainy season you can expect two hours of rain each afternoon. You’ll probably welcome it what with the heat and the wind.

It may rain all day at La Selva.

It rains four hours a day at Las Cruces.

Do I need to change money before I go?
You don’t need to because you can

How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
You’ll be arriving in small groups. We’ll try to let you know who’s on your plane to Costa Rica and you can ask the stewards to identify others in the WWNFF group. Four people can travel in a cab for about $11 plus a tip of $1 for a total of $12 or so.

Will WWNFF pay my travel expenses?
WWNFF will pay for your travel directly to Costa Rica and back. If you are making other connecting fares, we will work with you individually to figure out the fairest way to compensate you. Travel includes taxi fares in Costa Rica and airport taxes (it costs $17 to leave Costa Rica). WWNFF will reimburse you after the institute.

Will I have time on my own in San Jose or other sites in Costa Rica?
You really won’t have much time on your very own within the time of the institute. If you want to stay after the institute, please set up flights accordingly. 

Will I have time on my own when I’m at the field stations?
There will be *some* time in the evenings to explore the small towns outside La Selva and Las Cruces. It’s a $2-$3 roundtrip in a cab (and more than one person can ride in a cab) from La Selva to Puerto Viejo and from Las Cruces to San Vito. No hope at Palo Verde - it’s an hour away from civilization.

Will it all be work! work! work!?
Yes -- and no and maybe. You will be on duty seven days a week. But there are nights and other times you and the faculty agree upon when you can take in the culture. Plus it may be hard to figure out when you’re working and when you’re not. Is bird watching work? 

How will we be divided up?
There will be three groups of approximately 20. We’ll try to balance the groups per people who know about the Internet and the WWW, people who regularly teach their peers, high school and middle school, gender, states you come from, that sort of thing.

Do I need to speak Spanish?
It’s more fun if you speak Spanish, but Costa Rica is easy to get around in English.

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Environmental Science at Princeton

How can I get cash periodically for personal expenses?
You will want to bring spending money with you to cover incidentals and weekend meals. You should be aware, however, that local banks will not cash any personal checks for you. We suggest you bring travelers’ checks or use the automated teller machines for extra cash, and encourage you not to leave large sums of money in your dorm rooms.

What’s the weather like? What sorts of clothing should I bring?
Clothes appropriate for hot, muggy weather. Highs in the 80s to 90s are common, with about 85% humidity. Shorts and t-shirts are generally the rule, but please also bring a pair of long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and sneakers for field trips, as we are in Lyme tick country. A hat with a brim or visor is a good idea. You may want to bring a slightly dressier outfit for opening and closing receptions .

Do I need hiking boots?
There’s plenty of walking on campus and on field trips. You’ll need comfortable walking shoes. Tevas are good sandals as the campus has lots of brick walks and cobblestones.

Will I be able to access my email? Will I have computer access? Should I bring my laptop?
You may request a laptop to borrow for the duration of the institute. Your dorm room will be “wired” and you will also have access to a Lawrenceville computer lab. If you are planning to bring your own personal computer, please consider insuring it under your homeowners’ policy. It will not be covered by the Foundation. .

What other sorts of appliances should I bring?
A study lamp is desirable as the only light is often a ceiling fixture.

How do I get to Princeton from Newark Airport?
The Foundation will provide special ground transportation from Newark Airport to Lawrenceville and back to Newark Airport at the end of the program.

Can I buy personal items during the institute?
You’ll find most everything you need in the town of Princeton across the street from the campus.

What meals are provided?
Food will be provided in Abbott Dining Hall. Meals offered will include breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday through Friday. On Saturday you will be served breakfast and lunch, but will be on your own for dinner. On Sunday, only dinner will be provided.

What are the dorms like?
You will have your own room, but will share a hall bathroom with other participants. A towels and linens exchange will be offered each week and you will have access to a coin-operated laundry facility for clothes and other personal items. You might want to bring a small reading lamp because there may only be one ceiling fixture in your dorm room.  

Are the rooms air-conditioned?
Yes.

Are linens provided?
Linens are provided, exchanged once a week.

What are the laundry facilities?
There are coin-operated washers and dryers in the dorms.

How about phone calls?
Private phone lines are available. Bring your own phone if possible after conferring with your roommates. Bring a phone charge card for long-distance calls.

Will I have access to a copier?
There are nearby places (Firestone Library, Kinkos, etc.) where you can copy personal materials day or evening.  Personal photocopying or copies for your school are not provided.

Will I have access to a research library?
One of the advantages of being at Princeton University is the opportunity to use its wonderful Firestone Library. Our privileges are limited, as are those of anyone not attending Princeton University on a full-time basis. You will have access to the library during regular library hours, but books cannot be checked out. They must be used on the premises. Photocopy machines are available on a cash basis.

Firestone requires that Institute participants who use the library must wear the Woodrow Wilson Institute name identification (provided when you arrive in Princeton) and show some form of personal ID (such as a driver's license). They prefer photo ID cards. The personal ID you provide will be photocopied initially, so please bring the same form of identification.

Will I have access to athletic facilities?
Athletic facilities are offered during the summer. Woodrow Wilson participants will have access to the tennis courts, a health/fitness room, swimming pool, basketball courts, etc.

When will I get my stipend?
Upon successful completion of the institute, you will receive $1,000 for your participation. The remaining $200 of your stipend will be sent to you when the Leadership Program for Teachers receives documentation that you have performed at least 20 hours of outreach. You will receive more detailed information about outreach during the summer institute. You will want to bring spending money with you to cover incidentals and weekend meals. You should be aware, however, that local banks will not cash any personal checks for you. We suggest you bring travelers’ checks or use the automated teller machines for extra cash, and encourage you not to leave large sums of money in your dorm rooms.

What sorts of insurance should I have?
Valuables must be covered under your Homeowner’s policy. You must have your own health insurance and be sure it is valid out of state. You are not covered by Princeton University or WWNFF.

Where do I park?
If you are driving to Princeton, go directly to Scully (see map on the web). You will be permitted to temporarily park in front of the building while you unload your luggage. Please tell the Conference Services representatives, who will be in the Scully lobby, that you have your car. They will give you parking instructions after you register. The parking lot is a ten-minute walk from the dorm.

US Mail – Mail must be sent to the Foundation in care of the institute . Please use first class mail and address this way:

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What to Bring Checklist

Indispensables

___Airplane/Train/Bus Tickets

___Driver’s license

___Identity card(s)

___Prescription card

___ATM/ Credit cards/ Telephone cards

Alphabetical list for your assistance

___Address Book

___Alarm clock

___Bathrobe

___Bath Mat

___Bath towel-large (one supplied)

___Blank Computer Disks (about 20) or a zip disk (brand new and          unopened package to prevent virus)

___Blanket (one supplied)

___Bug repellant

___Camera & film

___Coat hangers

___Desk/reading lamp

___Extension cords & 3-prong adapters

___Eye and Sunglasses

___Flashlight & batteries

___Laundry bag

___Mirror

___Notebooks

___Pens, pencils, tape, stapler, and other favorite office supplies

___Pillow and case (one supplied)

___Radio

___Raincoat or jacket

___Water-friendly shoes

___Soap: bath, laundry

___Day pack

___Sewing kit

___Shower thongs

___Sneakers

___Stamps

___Sunscreen

___Swim Wear

___Telephone

___Telephone answering machine

___Telephone numbers

___Toiletries

___Towel (one supplied)

___Umbrella

___Video camera

___Washcloths

___Watch

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Biology Institute at Lawrenceville

How do I get to Lawrenceville from Newark Airport?
The Foundation will provide special ground transportation from Newark Airport to Lawrenceville and back to Newark Airport at the end of the program. Lawrenceville arrival should be around 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 1. Our travel agency is coordinating your arrival time. You may have to come to Lawrenceville on Saturday, June 30 if your travel cannot be coordinated for July 1 arrival. If you are arriving on Saturday, June 30, please email Geri Marchioni at [marchioni@woodrow.org] and you will be given information on the registration procedure. Airport at the end of the program.

How can I get cash periodically for personal expenses?
You will want to bring spending money with you to cover incidentals and weekend meals. You should be aware, however, that local banks will not cash any personal checks for you. We suggest you bring travelers’ checks or use the automated teller machines for extra cash, and encourage you not to leave large sums of money in your dorm rooms.

What’s the weather like? What sorts of clothing should I bring?
Clothes appropriate for hot, muggy weather. Highs in the 80s to 90s are common, with about 85% humidity. Shorts and t-shirts are generally the rule, but please also bring a pair of long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and sneakers for field trips, as we are in deer tick country. A hat with a brim or visor is a good idea. You may want to bring a slightly dressier outfit for opening and closing receptions .

Do I need hiking boots?
There’s plenty of walking on campus and on field trips. You’ll need comfortable walking shoes.

Will I have computer access?
You may request a laptop to borrow for the duration of the institute. Your dorm room will be “wired” and you will also have access to a Lawrenceville computer lab. If you are planning to bring your own personal computer, please consider insuring it under your homeowners’ policy. It will not be covered by the Foundation.

Can I buy personal items during the institute?
You’ll find most things you need in the town of Lawrenceville across the street from the campus. There is more shopping in nearby Princeton, but you'll need to drive there.

What meals are provided?
Food will be provided in Abbott Dining Hall. Meals offered will include breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday through Friday. On Saturday you will be served breakfast and lunch, but will be on your own for dinner. On Sunday, only dinner will be provided.

What are the dorms like?
You will have your own room, but will share a hall bathroom with other participants. A towels and linens exchange will be offered each week and you will have access to a coin-operated laundry facility for clothes and other personal items. You might want to bring a small reading lamp because there may only be one ceiling fixture in your dorm room.

Are the rooms air-conditioned?
Yes.

Are linens provided?
Linens are provided, exchanged once a week.

What are the laundry facilities?
There are coin-operated washers and dryers in the dorms.

How about phone calls?
Private phone lines are available in each dorm. Bring a phone charge card for long-distance calls.

Will I have access to a copier?
No personal photocopying will be done by the Foundation, but there are places in Lawrenceville where you can take materials to be copied.

Will I have access to a library?
You will have access to the Lawrenceville School library during regular library hours, but books cannot be checked out. They must be used on the premises. Photocopy machines are available on a cash basis.

Will I have access to athletic facilities?
Athletic facilities are offered during the summer. Woodrow Wilson participants will have access to the tennis courts, a health/fitness room, swimming pool, basketball courts, etc.

When will I get my stipend?
Upon successful completion of the institute, you will receive $1,000 for your participation. The remaining $200 of your stipend will be sent to you when the Leadership Program for Teachers receives documentation that you have performed at least 20 hours of outreach. You will receive more detailed information about outreach during the summer institute.

How do I register?
  You may have to come to Lawrenceville on Saturday, June 30 if your travel cannot be coordinated for July 1 arrival. If you are arriving on Saturday, June 30, please email Geri Marchioni at [marchioni@woodrow.org] and you will be given information on the registration procedure.

What sorts of insurance should I have?
Valuables must be covered under your Homeowner’s policy. You must have your own health insurance and be sure it is valid out of state. You are not covered by The Lawrenceville School or WWNFF.

Where do I park?
If you are driving to Lawrenceville, you may park your car in a designated area.

US Mail - Mail must be sent to Lawrenceville in care of the institute. Please use first class mail and address this way:

Your name

Woodrow Wilson Biology Institute

The Lawrenceville School

2500 Main Street

Lawrenceville, NJ  08648

What to Bring Checklist

Indispensables

___Airplane/Train/Bus Tickets

___Driver’s license

___Identify card(s)

___Insurance card(s)

___Prescription card

___ATM/ Credit cards/ Telephone cards

Alphabetical list for your assistance

___Address Book

___Alarm clock

___Bathrobe

___Bath towel - large (you are supplied one at the Institute)

___Blank Computer Disks (about 20) or a zip disk (brand new and          unopened package to prevent virus)

___Blanket (you are supplied one but you may need another)

___Bug repellant

___Camera & film

___Day Pack

___Desk lamp

___Extension cords & 3-prong adapters

___Eye and Sunglasses

___Flashlight & batteries

___Large bar soap

___Laundry bag & pins

___Mirror

___Music

___Notebooks

___Pens, pencils, tape, stapler, other favorite office supplies

___Pillow and case (one supplied)

___Prescription medication

___Radio/Walkman

___Sewing kit

___Shower thongs

___Sneakers/walking shoes

___Stamps

___Sunscreen

___Swimwear

___Telephone numbers

___Toiletries

___Umbrella/raincoat

___Washcloths

___Watch

___Water bottle to carry about on campus

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What are COMMUTER INSTITUTES?
Commuter Institutes are an initiative started in 1999 and funded by the Foundation for Microbiology, the Josephine Bay Paul and C. Michael Paul Foundation, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The Institutes rely on collaborations among universities, non-traditional education entities, and public school districts in major cities. Teachers who are unable to be away from home for extended periods of time take advantage of this program and enjoy two weeks of local professional development. Participants meet during the day Monday through Friday and take part in carefully coordinated activities that engage them in new perspectives and research in their teaching fields. A successful model is the collaborative among Pace University, the American Museum of Natural History, and New York City Public Schools.

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What is TORCH?
In 1984, CORE institutes were enhanced by the outreach program, called TORCH (Teacher OutReaCH), based on the premise that the best K-12 professional development model is "Teachers Teaching Teachers." TORCH teams carry condensed versions of the teaching and learning of the month-long institutes to teachers at sites around the country.

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