Columbia University Summer Programs: A Guide for High School Students

Summer break presents a valuable opportunity for high school students to explore their interests, gain new skills, and prepare for future academic and professional endeavors. Columbia University, with its world-class reputation and prime location in New York City, offers a diverse array of summer programs designed to cater to a wide range of interests and passions. These programs provide a unique blend of academic rigor, hands-on experience, and exposure to the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City.

Immersive Academic Experiences

Columbia University Science Honors Program (CUSHP)

For high school students with a strong passion for mathematics and science, the Columbia University Science Honors Program (CUSHP) offers an intensive and stimulating curriculum. This highly competitive program allows students to delve into the realms of physics, biology, and computer science, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deep appreciation for the sciences. CUSHP provides a supportive academic environment where budding scientists can collaborate with like-minded peers and interact with experienced instructors.

Columbia University's Summer Immersion Program

Columbia University's Summer Immersion Program is designed for high school students eager to explore various fields of study and experience life on a prestigious college campus. This program allows students to take college-level courses and live in Columbia's picturesque Morningside Heights neighborhood. With a diverse range of subjects to choose from, including literature, entrepreneurship, and the social sciences, students can tailor their summer experience to their interests and aspirations. The program's academic rigor provides an excellent opportunity to challenge oneself while gaining a taste of college life and making lifelong friendships.

Columbia University's Summer Program for High School Students (SPHSS)

Columbia University's Summer Program for High School Students (SPHSS) is a comprehensive summer program that encompasses a wide range of subjects, ensuring that there's something for every aspiring scholar. Whether interests lie in the humanities, social sciences, or STEM, SPHSS has you covered. In addition to academic coursework, SPHSS offers college application workshops, extracurricular activities, and opportunities to explore the cultural riches of New York City. This well-rounded experience not only enhances academic skills but also prepares students for the college admissions process.

The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP)

The State Pre-College Enrichment Program (S-PREP) is a free high school and college preparatory program for students interested in medicine or related STEM fields. S-PREP has both a summer and an academic year session.

Read also: Columbia University Legacy

Scientific Enrichment Month

The Scientific Enrichment Month program, held at Columbia's Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC), is a free virtual program taking place in July for high schoolers as well as undergraduate college students.

STEM-Focused Opportunities

Columbia University's Engineering Experience

For aspiring engineers and those intrigued by the world of STEM, Columbia University's Engineering Experience program offers an exciting and hands-on learning opportunity. Throughout the program, students engage in engineering projects, workshops, laboratory sessions, and field trips, all aimed at giving a deep understanding of the principles and applications of engineering. By collaborating with experienced faculty members and like-minded peers, students explore various engineering disciplines, from mechanical and electrical engineering to computer science and robotics. This immersive experience not only expands knowledge but also helps develop problem-solving skills critical for success in STEM fields.

Columbia University's Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP) High School Program

For those dreaming of becoming an architect or urban planner, Columbia University's GSAPP High School Program provides an extraordinary opportunity for high school students interested in the built environment. Through this program, students embark on a journey to explore the world of architecture, preservation, and urban design. One of the standout features of this program is the chance to work on real-world design projects, allowing students to apply creativity and problem-solving skills in a practical setting. Guidance from experts in the field is provided, and insights into the processes of designing and preserving structures that shape our cities are gained.

Engineering the Next Generation (ENG)

Engineering the Next Generation (ENG) is a six-week summer research program at Columbia Engineering for academically competitive NYC high school juniors and seniors.

Next Generation of Hudson River Educators

The Next Generation of Hudson River Educators program is a six-week summer program specifically designed to broaden the connection of high school students and their communities to the Hudson River. High school students participating will work in field research teams mentored by Columbia scientists and undergraduate science majors to do research on ecology, earth, and environmental sciences. The Next Generation of Hudson River Educators program is a summer internship for high school students interested in learning from the Hudson River through field investigations and data collection.

Secondary School Field Research Program

The Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP) brings high school students, undergraduate students, and science teachers to the Lamont campus each summer for six weeks of field and laboratory research. The program is highly selective for high school students who have a strong interest in the sciences and mathematics. Courses are primarily in the physical, chemical, biological, behavioral, and computing sciences; and instructors are scientists and mathematicians who are actively engaged in research at the University.

Columbia University's Sustainability and Environmental Science Program

For high school students who are passionate about environmental issues and sustainability, the Sustainability and Environmental Science Program at Columbia University is an excellent choice. This program offers a holistic approach to understanding the challenges facing our planet and equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact. Throughout the program, students delve into critical topics such as climate change, conservation, and sustainable practices. The curriculum combines classroom learning with fieldwork, allowing students to connect theory with real-world experiences. By the end of the program, students are better equipped to address environmental challenges and contribute to the global sustainability movement.

SHAPE

SHAPE is geared toward students with a curiosity for STEM. Each 3-week session offers college-level, project-based courses in engineering taught by a diverse group of faculty at Columbia University.

Inspirit AI Scholars Program

InspiritAI’s AI Scholars Program allows students to showcase intellectual vitality and initiative during high school by applying artificial intelligence to subjects of personal interest. Students in the Inspirit AI Scholars program craft interdisciplinary AI projects engaging subjects of personal interest to them. InspiritAI Mentors hail from a range of top universities such as Stanford, Harvard, and MIT. Additionally, many students who have participated in the AI+X Individual Research Mentorship have gone on to win prestigious awards at various science fair competitions! AI Scholars Live Online is a program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project.

Creative and Artistic Pursuits

Columbia University's Creative Writing Workshop

If the written word is a passion, Columbia University's Creative Writing Workshop is the ideal summer program. Whether a budding novelist, poet, or journalist, this program offers a nurturing environment to hone writing skills and explore creative potential. Led by experienced instructors, the workshop covers a wide range of writing genres, from fiction and poetry to non-fiction and screenwriting. Through workshops, discussions, and constructive feedback, valuable insights into the art of storytelling are gained and a portfolio of work is developed. Plus, there's the opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich literary culture of New York City, visiting iconic bookstores, attending readings, and meeting authors.

Read also: Paying for Columbia

Columbia University's Leadership in the Arts

If your heart beats for the arts, Columbia University's Leadership in the Arts program is designed to nurture your creative spirit. This program offers a unique blend of academic study and hands-on experience in various artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, theater, and film. During this program, students have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced artists and instructors while developing creative skills. Projects are worked on, performances and exhibitions are attended, and insights into the artistic and cultural scene of New York City are gained. Whether a budding painter, musician, actor, or filmmaker, this program offers a supportive environment to express artistic vision.

Leadership and Entrepreneurship

Columbia University's Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program

If you're an aspiring entrepreneur with big ideas, Columbia University's Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program is your gateway to the world of startups and innovation. This program provides you with the tools and knowledge needed to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Throughout the program, you'll explore the startup ecosystem, learn about business models, and work on projects aimed at solving real-world problems. You'll also have the opportunity to engage with successful entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts who can offer valuable insights and guidance as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey.

Columbia University's Sports Management Institute (CMI)

For sports enthusiasts with a passion for the business side of athletics, Columbia University's Sports Management Institute (CMI) is a dream come true. This program provides a unique opportunity to gain insights into sports management, marketing, event planning, and the inner workings of the sports industry. During time in CMI, students delve into the strategic aspects of sports management and learn about the economics, marketing, and operations of sports organizations. Engaging with professionals in the field and working on real sports projects will give a competitive edge if aspiring to pursue a career in sports management.

Other Opportunities

BioBus Harlem Junior Scientist Internships

BioBus Junior Scientists are high school and college students who receive training and mentorship from research scientists, while developing their own independent projects and co-teaching BioBus programs for younger students.

Girls Who Code Summer Pathways

Girls Who Code will offer the Pathways program this summer. This program is a free, flexible online learning opportunity for students who want to learn coding at their own pace. The summer program is comprised of sessions and financial aid is available. Girls Who Code offers two free programs in the summer: the virtual Summer Immersion Program and the Self-Paced Program. Students can apply for both programs, if eligible, however, students can only participate in one summer program.

Harlem YMCA Summer Camps

The Harlem YMCA camp continues to give students of all ages the opportunity to make the most of their summers through sports programming, project-based learning, and so much more.

Little Lions Camp

Little Lions Camp is a kid-centered, fun-based day camp for children between the ages of 6 to 12 years old, with a focus on keeping kids physically and creatively active. Programming features an ever-changing combination of classic games, backyard favorites, sports, and special surprises to keep kids happy, active, and engaged.

Internship in Building Community

The Internship in Building Community is ideal for growth-oriented, creative college and grad students who are interested in collaborating with others to help shape and support Columbia University’s NYC Residential Summer Program. The position will offer room and board throughout the duration of the program.

Preparing for Application Season

Summer programs can be enriching, life-changing experiences for young students; however, they can be hard to find or financially out of reach. Columbia Neighbors has compiled a list of free and no-cost summer programs available here at Columbia University and throughout Upper Manhattan to help students and families prepare for application season. Now is the time to get ahead on the summer program application season.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Columbia University offers scholarships every summer based on the financial need of children from Manhattanville in the West Harlem area. All scholarship applications must come to Columbia through the West Harlem Development Corporation (WHDC). Financial aid is available for some programs.

tags: #columbia #university #internships #high #school #students