2024 Summer STEM FAQ

Can I request a recommendation letter from my Summer STEM instructor?
Students can request letters by completing the STEM Recommendation Letter request form. Recommendation letters will be written from Summer STEM with feedback from your instructor included in the letter.

When is Summer STEM 2024?
Classes start Monday, July 8, 2024 and  meet Monday - Thursday. In person classes meet from 9 am to 3 pm.  In person students arrive between 8:30 and 9 am and leave campus between 3 and 3:30 pm. Six week classes start July 8, 2024. Three week classes start July 8 and July 29, 2024.

Where is Summer STEM 2024?
In person classes will meet at 41 Cooper Square in the East Village of Manhattan. The closest subway stops are the 6 at Astor Place and the R/W at 8th St/NYU. 

Who can apply to Summer STEM 2024?
Any student that is in high school during the 2023-2024 school year can apply. Students choose classes based on the grade they are when they complete the application.

In person classes are open to students able to commute to The Cooper Union campus at 41 Cooper Square, NYC.  STEM Outreach does not sponsor visas for international students.

What is the cost for Summer STEM? 
The fee for a six week class is $3950. The fee for a three week is $1950.  Fees includes all materials and access to software and technology. Financial aid is available. 

How can I apply for financial aid?
To apply, complete the financial aid form in the application. The financial aid form is submitted with the application and due on the same date. Preference is given to students from New York City Public Schools. You will be asked to provide family federal tax forms. We prefer tax forms from 2023 but will accept 2022 if 2023 is not available.  If you do not have tax forms, please email STEM Outreach at stem@cooper.edu.

Who qualifies for financial aid?
Low and moderate income families can apply for financial aid. Students whose family income is 100% of the New York Area Median Income or less can qualify for a full fee waiver.  Students whose family income is up to 120% of  the 2023 New York Area Median Income or less can qualify for a partial or full fee waiver. For example, a family of four with a household income of $141,300 is eligible for full financial aid, while a income of $169,440 is eligible for partial financial aid. Preference is given to students from New York City Public Schools.

You or your parent's citizenship status does not affect your eligibility for a fee waiver.

How do I apply for a Summer STEM class?
To apply, students complete the Summer STEM Application, submit a high school transcript, write two short essays, and a letter of recommendation.  Go to https://connect.cooper.edu/apply/  to start an application.

How do I apply for Cooper Next Scholars?
 Go to https://connect.cooper.edu/apply/ and start a Summer STEM application.  The Scholars application will be added to your Summer STEM application after you report your family income. 10th and 11th grade low- and moderate-income students are invited to apply to a 6-week Summer STEM class AND the Scholars program at the same time.

Do I need to choose two classes?
Selecting a first and second choice class increases the likelihood that a student will be accepted into Summer STEM.

Do I need a recommendation letter?
Yes, recommendation letters will be needed for Summer STEM 2024.  You can submit one recommendation letter.  If you have a class grade that impacted your GPA or a gap in your high school transcript, we suggest requesting a letter from someone at your school that can address this issue.

When do I find out if I am accepted to Summer STEM?
Students will be emailed their acceptance letters by the end of April, the exact date will be announced when applications opens. This letter will include their class assignment, financial aid award, and Scholars information.  Students will need to complete their enrollment and pay the deposit (if required) to hold their spot in the class.

What if I want to change classes? 
We do not permit students to change classes after a student accepts a class assignment. Changing classes prior to accepting a class assignment depends on the availability. Due to the limited number of spots in each class, we do not expect to be able to reassign students to a different class.  

Is there housing for Summer STEM? 
No, Summer STEM does not provide housing.

How many students per class? 
A Summer STEM class will have 18-22 students. 

Is there a final presentation? Are families invited?
Yes!  Each session will have a final presentation on the last day of the program from 1 to 4 pm. Students can invite guests to attend. More details will be shared during the program.

Is there a lunch break?
Yes, students can bring lunch to eat on campus or go off campus to purchase lunch.  There are many indoor and outdoor spaces on campus for students to eat lunch.

What is the attendence policy?
Students are expected arrive by 9:00 am and attend every class.  

Students may not schedule family vacations, another class, sports practices or other activities during class time.

If a student is sick, they must notify the STEM Outreach office before class starts, preferrably the evening prior to class. 

Students that miss more than two days may be unenrolled.  In these cases,  qualifying students will be offered  a place in the summer 2025 program.

What Health and Safety precautions exist? Updated 6/21/23
STEM Outreach strongly recommends that students are up-to-date on all the vaccines required for their age including their Tetanus vaccination for all students attending classes at 41 Cooper Square.  All staff are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Summer STEM students and guests will no longer need to show proof of a vaccination against COVID-19. Students or staff that test positive for COVID19 are required to inform The Cooper Union and isolate for 5 days, as advised by the CDC, before returning to class.

To maintain a safe environment at The Cooper Union, all students agree to follow The Cooper Union Code of Conduct for precollege students. A copy was included in the application. Students also agree to follow all STEM Outreach and university policies, rules for research laboratories. and work with the staff to create a safe, welcoming, and fun program for all. Additional information about health and safety measures will be sent to all accepted students and families.

Can I use my project for a science fair or other demonstration? 
An individual can not present or submit a team project to a fair or competition.  If a team wants to submit their project as a team, they should contact STEM@cooper.edu for instructions and support. 

Do I get college credit for Summer STEM?
No, Summer STEM students do not matriculate at The Cooper Union.  No credit is awarded for participating in Summer STEM classes. Students do receive a certificate of completion from The Cooper Union. Financial aid is available.

How does participating in Summer STEM impact my application to The Cooper Union?
Acceptance or rejection to the Cooper Union Summer STEM Program does not affect entrance to Cooper Union’s undergraduate program. However, your performance in Summer STEM is used as a factor in admission into the undergraduate program if you apply.  Participating in Summer STEM provides evidence of a student's ability to do college level work and demonstrates interest in The Cooper Union.  We encourage you to list your Summer STEM class as an activity on your college applications.

How do I contact the Summer STEM Office?
The best way to reach us is by emailing stem@cooper.edu

  • 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.