Applications for the STEM Saturdays' 2026-27 academic year are open! The deadline to apply for the Winter 2027 and  Mid-Winter courses is December 14, 2026, 11:59 pm EST.

The STEM Saturdays program provides an opportunity for students who have little to no exposure to STEM extracurricular programs, in order to support students in generating a positive STEM identity of themselves and their skill sets within various STEM strands. In each class, students are immersed in project-based learning environments that develop their design thinking, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.  

Below are the STEM Saturdays courses offered during the 2026-27 academic year:

Making Waves: Sound, Acoustics & Signals [ applications are closed ]

FALL 2026 COURSE DATES: 7 Saturdays | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
October 17–December 12, 2026 (student showcase on December 12)

Course Description

Stop listening to sound and start engineering it! Students explore the intersection between sound and engineering in this hands-on program. The course lays the foundation of sound as a physical phenomenon and harnesses it to engineer music, audio equipment, and room acoustics using electronics and signal processing. Students master industry technologies like MATLAB, acoustic materials, and professional equipment through custom projects in the only anechoic chamber in NYC. 

Tuition-Free Access

Students who meet The Cooper Union’s income-eligibility requirements may attend the program at no cost. Financial aid is limited, and we award assistance to the students showing the most financial need and who do not have access to free STEM programs at their school or community in which they reside.   Families requesting Tuition-Free Access will be required to submit documentation (tax returns and all schedules) demonstrating income eligibility according to NYC Median Income Eligibility.  

$800 tuition for full-paying students.
$0 tuition for income-eligible students.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION: Wednesday, September 30, 11:59 pm (rolling decision)
Last Date you will receive the decision about your application: Tuesday, October 6, 3:30 pm
Payment in full (if you are not eligible for financial aid) is required on Thursday, October 15, 12:00 PM.

App Lab: Create Your Own iOS Apps with Swift

Winter 2026-Spring 2027 COURSE DATES: 7 Saturdays | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Dates: January  22, 2027 – March 13, 2027
*Excluding: February 13

Course Description:
Got a great app idea? Turn it into reality with App Lab, a hands-on 7-week journey into iOS app development using Swift, the language behind your favorite apps!   You’ll start with the basics of coding and quickly move to building interactive apps, designing sleek interfaces, and prototyping your own original app. No prior programming experience? No problem — we’ll guide you step by step, with fun projects and real-world tools

What You’ll Learn & Do:
• Swift Programming Essentials: Variables, constants, loops, functions, and control flow — all in a playful, interactive way.
• iOS Development Tools: Explore Xcode, use the iOS Simulator, debug your code, and bring your apps to life.
• App Design & UI: Use UIKit, Auto Layout, and Stack Views to craft smooth, professional interfaces.

Hands-On Projects
1. Mini apps to master Swift fundamentals
2. Data display apps to organize and showcase user input
3. Personality quiz apps for fun, interactive experiences
4. Your very own original app prototype — ready to demo!

By the end of the  course, you’ll:
• Code confidently in Swift
• Design and prototype fully functional iOS apps
• Understand the path to publishing your app on the App Store
• Be ready to take your first steps as a tech creator

Course Description:
Got a great app idea? Turn it into reality with App Lab, a hands-on 6-week journey
into iOS app development using Swift, the language behind your favorite apps!  You’ll start with the basics of coding and quickly move to building interactive apps, designing sleek interfaces, and prototyping your own original app. No prior programming experience? No problem — we’ll guide you step by step, with fun projects and real-world tools.

What You’ll Learn & Do:
• Swift Programming Essentials: Variables, constants, loops, functions, and control flow — all in a playful, interactive way.
• iOS Development Tools: Explore Xcode, use the iOS Simulator, debug your code, and bring your apps to life.
• App Design & UI: Use UIKit, Auto Layout, and Stack Views to craft smooth, professional interfaces.
• Hands-On Projects:

By the End of the Course, You’ll:
• Code confidently in Swift
• Design and prototype fully functional iOS apps
• Understand the path to publishing your app on the App Store
• Be ready to take your first steps as a tech creator

Tuition-Free Access
Students who meet The Cooper Union’s income-eligibility requirements may attend the program at no cost. Finanical aid is limited, and we award assistance to the students showing the most financial need and who do not have access to free STEM programs at their school or community in which they reside.   Families requesting Tuition-Free Access will be required to submit documentation (tax returns and all schedules) demonstrating income eligibility according to NYC Median Income Eligibility.  

$800 tuition for full-paying students.
$0 tuition for income-eligible students.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION: Monday, December 14, 2026, 11:59 pm 
Payment in full (if you are not eligible for financial aid) is required on Friday, January 15, 2027, 12:00 pm.

Midwinter Engineering Intensive @The Cooper Union: 
Digital Fabrication Meets Wearable Tech & Design | Winter 2027

COURSE DATES: Tuesday, February 16–Saturday, February 20, 2027 (student showcase on February 20). This sequence is aligned with the New York City Public Schools' Mid-Winter Break.
10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Course Description
Push the boundaries of Digital fabrication through hands-on experimentation, exploring how functional, wearable objects can carry bold design ideas. Rooted in the principles of the engineering design process, this course introduces the fundamentals of 3D printing and Laser cutting through the creation of accessories that move with you, serve a purpose, and express personal style. You’ll investigate how digital design translates into physical form and how everyday items can become thoughtful, portable statements. 

Digital fabrication is reshaping industries from medicine to aerospace, making design and manufacturing more customizable, efficient, and creative. This course connects students to these broader possibilities through the lens of wearable tech, showing how the same tools used in advanced innovation can be applied to personal, functional design.

Student Outcomes:
1. Gain hands-on experience with 3D printing, Laser cutting, and digital modeling tools.
2. Learn the fundamentals of Digital fabrication through the lens of wearable design.
3. Explore how form, function, and personal expression intersect in accessory design.
4. Experiment with materials and unconventional fabrication techniques.

Tuition-Free Access
Students who meet The Cooper Union’s income-eligibility requirements may attend the program at no cost. Finanical aid is limited, and we award assistance to the students showing the most financial need and who do not have access to free STEM programs at their school or community in which they reside. Families requesting Tuition-Free Access will be required to submit documentation (tax returns and all schedules) demonstrating income eligibility according to NYC Median Income Eligibility.

$800 tuition for full-paying students.
$0 tuition for income-eligible students.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION: Monday, December 14, 2026, 11:59 pm 
Payment in full (if you are not eligible for financial aid) is required on Friday, January 15, 2027, 12:00 pm.

• The Fall 2026 class meets in person on Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 pm. 
• The Winter 2027 class meets in person for 1 week, Tuesday-Saturday, February 16-20, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
• The Winter 2027-Spring 2027 class meets in person for 7 weeks, on Saturdays, 10:00 am- 3:00 pm.
• Classes are held at The Cooper Union's School of Engineering, 41 Cooper Square, New York, NY 10003. 

STEM Saturdays is open to all. Eligible students who can apply to our STEM Saturdays program are those who: 

• Live in New York City, within the 5 boroughs, or in New Jersey
• Are currently in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade
• Are low- or moderate-income (See 2025 NYC Area Median Income). Students of low or moderate income may be eligible for a fee waiver. We have limited financial aid packages, and we prioritize families most in need.
• Are from households above the NYC Median income 
• Priority consideration is given to students with no prior experience in Engineering or Computer Science, and no access to Engineering or Computer Science at their school.

Note that financial assistance is reserved for students who reside in New York City or its boroughs and who attend a New York City public school. NYC students: YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND STEM SATURDAYS FOR FREE IF YOUR HOUSEHOLD INCOME FALLS BELOW THE CURRENT NYC MEDIAN INCOME. Note that you must submit your most recent tax returns, including all schedules, and/or evidence of income, in order to be considered for financial aid. 

The cost of our courses during the 2026-27 academic year are:

• Making Waves: Acoustics, Sounds, & Signals - $800
• Digital Fabrication Meets Wearable Tech & Design - $800

• Students are required to attend all class meetings.
• Students who miss more than one class for any reason, including illness, may be withdrawn, or will be transferred to another future program, depending upon the circumstances.
• All materials fees are included in the costs of the courses.

Read the STEM Program FAQs to learn more about the STEM Saturdays program.
To receive updates on our upcoming programs, please complete our interest form.
Still have questions about STEM Satudays?  Email stem@cooper.edu