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Summer STEM Program

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The Albert Nerken School of Engineering at the Cooper Union has been preparing high school students to pursue undergraduate careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields for over 25 years.

The Summer STEM Program is an intensive, six-week experience that immerses students in hands-on engineering design and problem-solving, thereby placing them on the right track for careers in technological innovation. Students work closely with Cooper Union faculty at the forefront of engineering education. Projects range broadly and include robotics, digital fabrication, computer programming and app development, biomedical and genetic engineering, improved urban infrastructure, and even racecar design. Faculty and teaching assistants from the departments of civil, chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering provide students with foundational knowledge and expert guidance to address real-world problems in their respective disciplines of expertise.

“This is a rare opportunity for students to explore emerging technologies while also developing their oral and written technical communication skills -- a true crash -- course for future engineering students. I am continuously inspired by the level of creativity our high school students bring to the real-world problem solving environments we provide them.”
- Professor George Delagrammatikas

Students also attend workshops on oral presentation skills, technical writing, career counseling, and college admissions. They are given access to Cooper Union’s library resources, computer facilities, and laboratories to perform their research, design, analysis, and prototyping. Typically, projects include at least one field trip to a local museum, exhibition, or gallery to enhance the students’ experience. This program culminates with each group submitting a technical paper summarizing their research and presenting their work to an audience of invited guests. To recognize their successful completion of the program students will receive a certificate of achievement from the Albert Nerken School of Engineering.

Program Period: Monday, July 6 through Thursday, August 13.

Daily Schedule: Monday through Thursday 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

2015 Tuition & Fees: $3,100 and a non-refundable $50 application fee.  Financial aid available to those who qualify.

Transportation: At the discretion of the Metropolitan Transit Authority, students may receive Metrocards to cover transportation costs.

ELIGIBILITY AND ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
This program is open to either current high school sophomores or juniors spending the summer in the Greater NYC area.  Admission to the program is selective.  We are looking for high-achieving students who have a passion for the STEM fields.  These characteristics should be apparent in their transcript, personal essay, and letter of recommendation from a teacher in the STEM fields or a guidance counselor.

Note: Acceptance or rejection to the Cooper Union Summer STEM Program does not affect entrance to Cooper Union’s undergraduate program.

Program History and Goals: The Summer STEM Program, an expanded version of what was formerly known as the Summer Research Internship Program, builds on that legacy by broadening the access of an invaluable summer experience to more students than ever before.  As part of that legacy, financial aid will be made available, up to 100% of the cost, for students who either meet criteria of need or who are otherwise underrepresented in the STEM fields.  We therefore encourage all students to apply for this enriching educational opportunity.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.