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The Cooper Union STEM Program FAQs

 

Can I request a recommendation letter from my previous STEM instructor?
  • When applying to colleges or competitive academic programs, you may request letters by completing the STEM Recommendation Letter request form. Recommendation letters will be written by the STEM Director, with feedback from your instructor included in the letter, or from your instructor - it's your choice!
When are our STEM programs?
  • Summer STEM (2026): Runs Monday–Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
    6-week sessions begin July 6, 2026. 
    3-week sessions begin July 6 or July 27, 2026.
     
  • STEM Saturdays (2025–26): Classes begin on October 18, 2025, and the program concludes on March 14, 2026. Applications for the 2026-27 academic year will launch in mid-August. 
Where are the STEM programs held?
  • All in-person classes meet in our School of Engineering, loacated at 41 Cooper Square, East Village, Manhattan.
  • Closest subway stops: 
  • 6 train at Astor Place
  • R/W train at 8th Street / NYU 
Who can apply to a STEM program?
  • Summer STEM: Open to students who have completed their 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. High school graduates are not eligible.
  • Important: International students may apply, but Cooper Union does not sponsor visas for the STEM programs. 

    STEM Saturdays: Open to students in 9th–12th grade (during the 2026–27 school year) who live in any of NYC’s five boroughs. 
What is the cost for STEM Saturdays and Summer STEM? 


YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND OUR PROGRAMS FOR FREE IF YOUR HOUSEHOLD INCOME FALLS BELOW THE CURRENT NYC MEDIAN INCOME.  Note that you must submit your most recent tax returns and/or evidence of income, in order to be considered for financial aid. 

  • Summer STEM 2026 Costs: 
    6-week class: $5,150 
    3-week class: $3,150
  • What’s included: Course fees cover all materials, software, and technology access. 
     
  • STEM Saturdays costs for the 2025–26 academic year were: $2,000–$3,000 per course. 
How can I apply for financial aid (fee waiver)?
  • In our appliction, click the box that prompts you to communicate that you wish to apply for financial aid. 
  • Upload your family federal tax documents. We prefer 2025 tax returns, but will accept 2024 if 2025 is not available. If you do not have tax returns, due to loss of income, please upload evidence of receiving unemployment or other government assistance, along with your last paystub(s).
  • Priority for fee waivers goes to students from New York City public schools and who reside in New York City and its boroughs. Note that Westchester County and Long Island are not boroughs of New York City.
  • Fee waivers are limited and not guaranteed. 
     
  • Note that you must submit your most recent tax returns and/or evidence of income at the time you submit your application, in order to be considered for financial aid. 
Who qualifies for financial aid?
  • Note that not everyone who qualifies for financial aid will receive it, as we have limited spots for those eligible for financial aid.
  • Note that you must submit your most recent tax returns and/or evidence of income, in order to be considered for financial aid.
  • Full waiver: Family income ≤ 100% of the New York Area Median Income.  
  • Partial or full waiver: Families making up to 120% of the 2025 NYC Area Median Income may qualify. 
  • Other considerations: Your or your parents’ citizenship status does not affect eligibility. 
How do I apply to a STEM class?
  • To apply, you must complete an application, submit a high school transcript, engineer or sketch a prototype (more explained in the application) and write about it, and a letter of recommendation.  Go to start an application.
Do I need to choose two classes?
  • Yes, for the all 6-week Summer STEM classes; however,  if you intend to apply to a 3-week Session I and you  you should choose a first and second choice course. This increases your chances of being accepted into one of them. 
Do I need a recommendation letter?

Yes, at least one recommendation letter is required for all STEM programs. 

  • If there’s a gap in your transcript or you need help eplaining a lower grade, you should ask a recommender who can provide that context. 
     
  • Be sure to ask your recommender early, so they have adequate time to 
    compose a comprehensive letter. 
     
  • If you want pointers on how to secure a strong letter of recommendation (your letter receives a score in your application), click here for some tips on securing a stellar letter.
When do I find out if I am accepted to a STEM program?
  • Summer STEM: Decisions are emailed during the last week of April, including your class assignment, financial aid award, and requests for pertinent information, such as your headshot, and signed attendance and code of conduct agreements.
  • STEM Saturdays: Acceptance emails go out at least 10 days before the course begins, including your class assignment, financial aid award, and requests for pertinent information, such as your headshot, and signed attendance and code of conduct agreements. 
What if I want to change classes? 
  • After you accept your class assignment, class changes are not permitted, due to limited space.  Be sure to review the course descriptions and ensure they are aligned to your interests, so that you make the right choice for YOU.
  • Before you accept, you may request a change; however, your being granted a seat depends on availability.
Is there housing for the STEM programs? 
 
  • No, The Cooper Union does not provide housing for its STEM Summer or STEM Saturdays programs. 
How many students per class? 
  • Each class typically has an average enrollment of 20–25 students, allowing for close mentorship and meaningful collaboration. There will also be teaching assistants in your class to also support you! 
Is there a final presentation? Are families invited?
  • Yes, on the final day of the program (1:00 pm–4:00 pm), students present their projects publicly. Families and friends are always welcome to attend. 
Is there a lunch break?

Yes, lunch for everyone is 12:00 pm - 1:00pm. You are free to: 

  • Bring lunch from home 
  • Explore nearby food options around campus 
  • Use indoor and outdoor spaces on campus to eat - even our cozy library in the Foundation Building!
Do I get college credit for attending a STEM program?
  • No, our courses are pre-college, non-credit courses; however, students do earn a Certificate of Completion from The Cooper Union, if they satisfy the completion of academic work and adhere to the attendance policies. 
Can I use my project for a science fair or other demonstration? 
  • You cannot submit a team project individually to a competition or fair without coordinating with your group. 
  • If you and your team want to submit your work, email stem@cooper.edu — they can advise on how to proceed.  
How does participating in The Cooper Union STEM programs impact my application to The Cooper Union?
  • Participation does not guarantee admission to Cooper Union. 
  • However, your performance in STEM programs can be a factor in admissions if you apply to The Cooper Union. It demonstrates your ability to handle college-level engineering and computer science work, and your commitment to STEM. 
     
  • We strongly encourage students to list their STEM class in their college applications. 
If I still have questions, how do I contact the STEM Outreach 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.