The Center for Earth System Education (CESE) in the Department of Geology & Meteorology (College of Natural, Applied, and Health Sciences) provides a variety of activities to enhance and improve public and K-12 knowledge content and awareness. The CESE mission is to encourage, support, and promote earth system education at all levels. Several new features and components currently being implemented are described that achieve this mission according to two key goals: (1) Establishment of student-assisted education and research outreach activities to serve urban ecosystem communities and K-12 interests; and (2) Conduct student-centered cooperative and joint research and collaborative education to observe, diagnose, model, and predict hazardous weather and its impacts on New Jersey urban ecosystems through the Earth Systems Science approach. The component programs involved include outreach, education, training, and research partnerships. These are described according to the CESE component programs offered that include “WHERE – UR – in New Jersey!”; “Student Teaching/Training in Astronomy, Geology, and Earth System Science (STAGES)”; “Kean University's Environmental Management by Portal Outreach for Weather Education and Research by Students with Media Experiences (KU EMPOWERS ME!)”; and “Collaborative Atmosphere for Research Practicum in the Environment: Direct Interactions, Education, and Modalities (CARPE DIEM!)”. The nature and role of these programs are discussed with regard to public outreach, teacher education and training; and research opportunities for middle and high school students, as well as pedagogical and logistical considerations. CESE provides for online resource development and exchange, white paper and stakeholder summaries, Round Table Earth sessions, publications, and various workshops in coordination with internal and external groups – including the public and professional audience symposium “Weather & Environmental Hazards – The Challenges of Awareness, Research, and Education in New Jersey” (KU: WE CARE about NJ!).