Saturday Program FAQs

When does The Saturday Program Registration open? 
  • Registration opens in June for Fall Registration and October for Spring Registration. Check the Saturday Program Website for specific dates.  
Where is The Saturday Program? 
  • The program takes place at Cooper Union’s Foundation Building, 7 E 7th St, and at 41 Cooper Square 

  

Accordion content.

Who can apply to The Saturday Program? 

The program is open to New York City public high school students in grades 9-12 from low-income and historically underrepresented backgrounds.  

What is the cost for The Saturday Program? 

The program is free of charge. 

Does The Saturday Program provide transportation? 

Roundtrip MetroCard's are distributed to students every Saturday upon request,  

Who qualifies for The Saturday Program? 

To be eligible, students must meet one or more of the following criteria: 

  • Attend a New York City Public High School. 
  • Attend a school without a comprehensive visual art program. 
  • Qualify for free school breakfast and/or lunch. 
  • Come from a low- or moderate-income household (See 2024 NYC Area Median Income). 

  

How do I apply for The Saturday Program? 

To apply, visit the program's application link and complete the online registration form. 

How many classes can I participate in? 
  • Students can participate in one class per semester. 

  

Do I need a recommendation letter? 

No, a recommendation letter is not required to apply. 

When do I find out if I am accepted for The Saturday Program 2024-2025? 

Accepted students will be notified via email after the application process is completed. 

What if I want to change classes? 
  • Students can request to change classes by contacting the program administrators after the first session, but changes are subject to availability. 

  

How many students per class? 

Class sizes are kept small to ensure personalized instruction, typically around 15-20 students per class. 

Is there a final presentation? Are families invited? 

Yes, there is a Year End Show where students' work is showcased for friends and family. 

Is there a lunch break? 
  • Yes, there is a lunch break at 12 noon during the program hours of 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays. 
What is the attendance policy?
  • Regular attendance is expected. Students should inform instructors in advance if they will be absent for an excused absence.   

 

Accordion content.

Are students allowed to leave early for the day? 

If a student needs to leave class early, they must present a note from a parent giving permission. Alternatively, parents can contact the Saturday Program Admin to inform them of the student's early dismissal before the day or on the morning of the early dismissal. 

What Health and Safety precautions exist? 

The program follows all current health and safety guidelines to ensure a safe learning environment.  

Can I use my finished projects for other opportunities or exhibitions? 
  • Yes, students are encouraged to use their finished projects for other opportunities, including college applications and exhibitions. 
How does participating in The Saturday Program 2024-2025 impact my application to The Cooper Union or other colleges? 
  • Participation in the program does not guarantee admission to Cooper Union, but it can enhance your portfolio and provide valuable experience. 

  

How do I contact The Saturday Program 2024-2025? 
  •  
  • Office phone: 212-353-4108 

 

  

 

  •  

 

  •  

  

 

  •  

  

 

  •  

 

 

 

  •  
  •  

 

 

  •  

 

  •  

  

 

  •  

  

 

  •  
  •  

  

 

  •  

  

 

  •  

  

 

  •  

 

  •  

  

 

  •  

  

  

 

  •  

 

  • 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.