11 Cornell Summer Programs for High School Students

Key Takeaways

• These 11 Cornell programs span Ithaca, Cornell Tech in NYC, and fully online formats, covering subjects from architecture and veterinary medicine to biomedical research and international business.
• Most programs award transferable Cornell college credit at a per-credit rate, though a few, like the Junior DAIRY LEADER Program and Cornell International Debate Camp, are structured as flat-fee experiential or competition-based programs instead.
• Program length and format vary considerably, from short one- to two-week intensives like Cornell Tech’s Summer Innovation Intensives to longer six- or seven-week commitments like the Weill Cornell Catalyst Program and the Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program.
• Eligibility differs notably by program, with some, like the Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program, open only to incoming Cornell first-years, while others, like the Art Summer Programs and Cornell Tech Intensives, welcome students with no prior subject experience.
• If you’re interested in a research-focused alternative rather than a subject-specific Cornell program, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a mentored path toward a formal academic paper across fields like data science, political theory, and the humanities.

Participating in a Cornell summer program provides you with an opportunity to immerse yourself in college-level academics, refine your skills, and discover new passions within a supportive, intellectually stimulating environment. They make a solid addition to your college applications, as they demonstrate your commitment to rigorous study and your ability to thrive in a demanding academic setting. These programs are designed to challenge you, broaden your perspectives, and provide a clear vision of what your future academic and career paths could entail. Whether you’re interested in engineering, the arts, business, or the sciences, Cornell offers tailored programs that cater to a wide range of academic interests and goals. 

Why should you participate in Cornell high school summer programs?

As a participant in a Cornell summer program, you will learn directly from Cornell University faculty, who are leaders in their respective fields, gaining insights and knowledge typically reserved for undergraduate students. You will experience hands-on learning, engage in collaborative projects, and utilize world-class facilities and resources that foster innovation and critical thinking. Beyond academics, you will develop essential life skills such as independence, time management, and cross-cultural communication as you live and learn alongside peers from diverse backgrounds. The advantage of being at Cornell University, whether on its picturesque Ithaca campus, its urban Cornell Tech campus in New York City, or through its flexible online platforms, lies in its reputation for academic excellence and innovation.

With that, here are 11 Cornell high school summer programs that you should check out.

You can also check out these guides on free online summer programs or pre-college summer programs for high school students! 

1. Cornell Pre-College Studies Residential Program

The Cornell Pre-College Studies Residential Program immerses you in an Ivy League educational experience. You will live on campus and take undergraduate courses taught by Cornell instructors, earning transferable college credit. You can choose from dozens of subjects, including architecture, business, computer science, and engineering. Expect a rigorous academic schedule, condensing fifteen weeks of college material into your chosen session. You will also get to develop college-level study skills, time management, and independence within a supportive environment. Living in Cornell residence halls, you will connect with peers from over fifty countries, broadening your global perspective.

2. Cornell Tech Summer Innovation Intensives

The Cornell Tech Summer Innovation Intensives offer you a three-week, hands-on experience in artificial intelligence, ethics, and entrepreneurship. You will choose an academic track, such as Engineering Operations or Interacting with AI, focusing on cutting-edge technological concepts. In the afternoons, you will apply your learning in the Future Builders Studio, collaborating to design real-world AI-powered solutions. You will present your innovative ideas at a final showcase, guided by Cornell Tech faculty. This program is open to all, regardless of prior coding experience, emphasizing accessible technological innovation.

3. Junior DAIRY LEADER Program

The New York State Junior DAIRY LEADER Program, through Cornell’s CALS, provides thirty selected youth with rigorous experiential learning in the dairy industry. As a participant, you will engage in a year-long program focused on dairy farming operations, industry trends, and business practices. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience on dairy farms, offering mentorship from dairy industry professionals. You will build confidence, communication, and decision-making skills through various activities, helping you determine if a career in dairy agriculture aligns with your interests. This program also helps you build valuable credentials for college applications and industry connections.

4. Introduction to Architecture and Design Pre-College Program

Cornell’s Introduction to Architecture and Design Precollege Program offers you a six-week experience in architecture and related design disciplines. You will explore foundational design principles at various scales, from objects to urban landscapes. Under the mentorship of renowned Cornell faculty, you will develop your creative interests and build a strong design foundation. The program provides access to world-class facilities, including personal work areas and state-of-the-art model-making tools. You will participate in both a design studio course and a lecture survey course, culminating in a major final project presented to faculty and peers.

5. Art Summer Programs

Cornell’s Art Summer Programs provide you with immersive studio experiences, offering creative mentorship and an artistic community. You will explore diverse media, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, and sculpture, under the guidance of leading faculty. Whether you choose online or in-person participation, you will develop a unique body of work suitable for application portfolios. The program includes various courses like Art as Experience, TransMedia, and Summer Drawing I/II, all of which are credit-bearing. You will receive close instruction and thoughtful critique from faculty, helping you deepen your critical engagement with contemporary art.

6. Veterinary Explorations Program

The Veterinary Explorations Program, offered through Cornell’s Pre-College Studies, provides you with an opportunity to delve into veterinary medicine. You will enroll in credit-bearing courses specifically designed for pre-veterinary exploration, taught by Cornell instructors at the renowned veterinary college. One of the current courses listed is Genomic Data Science in Dogs; it offers valuable insight into the profession, understanding curriculum requirements and career pathways within veterinary medicine, while earning college credit. This program connects you with veterinary faculty and current students, who can offer guidance and advice on preparing for veterinary school admission.

7. Cornell International Debate Camp

The Cornell International Debate Camp offers you an intensive, in-person debate experience on Cornell’s Ithaca campus. You will learn new debate skills and cutting-edge academic insights into contemporary political topics from Cornell faculty and top debate coaches. The camp features topic lectures by Cornell faculty on social issues, providing a deep understanding of substantive content alongside debate technique. Instruction primarily uses the World Schools Debate format, offering broad training applicable to other formats. You will participate in intra-camp exercises and adjudicated tournament debates, culminating in Cornell’s Debate Camp Tournament.

8. Cornell Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program

The Cornell Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program (PSSP) offers you a rigorous seven-week summer experience designed to prepare you for the academic and social challenges of college life. You will take summer session courses in subjects like English composition, mathematics, and biology, chosen to support your intended major. Beyond academics, you will participate in workshops covering academic resources, career development, and advising. Living on campus, you will develop strong connections within a diverse residential community. 

9. Weill Cornell High School Catalyst Program

The Weill Cornell High School Catalyst Program provides you with a rigorous six-week, fully in-person biomedical research experience. You will be paired with a mentor – a graduate student, staff scientist, or postdoctoral associate – to advance actual scientific projects in leading laboratories. Your role involves approximately twenty-five hours weekly in hands-on lab work, where you will develop skills in experimental design and data analysis. Beyond bench work, you will attend journal clubs, participate in college and career panels, and engage in workshops. At the program’s conclusion, you will present your summer research as a poster at a public symposium.

10. CICER Summer High School Program

Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business Center for International Business Education (CICER) Summer High School Program offers you interactive courses in economics, finance, big data, and business analytics. You will engage in academic seminars and discussion-based learning, focusing on international business topics and global perspectives. The program introduces you to business fundamentals, helping you understand how international economics and trade shape business decisions. You will interact with faculty experienced in international business education and connect with peers who share your career and academic interests in the business world.

11. Cornell Pre-College Studies Online Program

The Cornell Precollege Studies Online Program allows you to earn college credit from Cornell from anywhere in the world. You will engage with instructors and peers through various online platforms, including discussion boards and video conferences. The program offers both synchronous and asynchronous course options, providing flexibility to fit your schedule. You can select from subjects like architecture, business, health sciences, and technology, all maintaining Cornell’s high academic rigor. Completing these courses will give you an official Cornell transcript, showcasing your readiness for college-level work.

One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program

If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like investigative journalism, media studies, political reporting, data journalism, and the ethics of news and information, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of Cornell summer programs are available to high school students?

You’ll find a mix of formats, including credit-bearing academic coursework like the Pre-College Studies Residential and Online Programs, hands-on research placements like the Weill Cornell Catalyst Program, and specialized skill-building experiences like Cornell International Debate Camp and the Junior DAIRY LEADER Program. Cornell Tech’s Summer Innovation Intensives offer a different kind of option focused on AI, ethics, and entrepreneurship for students without prior coding experience.

Do you need prior experience in a subject to apply?

It depends on the program. Cornell Tech’s Summer Innovation Intensives and the Art Summer Programs explicitly welcome students with no prior experience, while others, like the Weill Cornell Catalyst Program, expect completion of a separate training program (NYbioforce) before you’re matched with a research mentor. Programs like CICER expect strong academic performance and a demonstrated interest in business and economics.

How much do these programs typically cost?

Costs vary widely depending on format and length. The Pre-College Studies Residential and Online Programs charge $1,940 per credit, so total cost depends on how many credits you take, while flat-fee programs range from $400 for the Junior DAIRY LEADER Program to $6,500 for Cornell Tech’s Summer Innovation Intensives. The Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program is free, though it’s limited to incoming Cornell first-years rather than general high school applicants.

Which programs let you earn transferable college credit?

Most of the Pre-College Studies programs, including the Residential Program, Online Program, Introduction to Architecture and Design, Art Summer Programs, and the Veterinary Explorations Program, all award transferable Cornell credit billed per credit hour. Programs like Cornell International Debate Camp and the Junior DAIRY LEADER Program, by contrast, focus on skill-building and experience rather than academic credit.

Are there online options if you can’t travel to Ithaca or NYC?

Yes. The Cornell Pre-College Studies Online Program lets you earn the same Cornell credit and transcript as the in-person version, with both synchronous and asynchronous course options for flexibility. The Art Summer Programs also offer an online participation option alongside their in-person studio courses.

Is there a way to pursue a research-focused program instead of a subject-specific Cornell course?

Yes. If you’re interested in a research-focused alternative rather than a Cornell subject-specific program, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar to develop a 20-page research paper you can submit for academic publication, across fields like data science, political theory, and the humanities. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback, and covers over 600 research specializations. You can find the application here.

When should you apply?

Deadlines for these programs are spread throughout the year, so it helps to plan ahead. The Weill Cornell Catalyst Program has an early deadline tied to NYbioforce acceptance by January 22, followed by Introduction to Architecture and Design (May 5) and CICER (April 15). Cornell Tech’s Summer Innovation Intensives close June 12, while the Junior DAIRY LEADER Program runs later, with a deadline of June 30. Several programs, including the Pre-College Studies tracks and Veterinary Explorations, use rolling or course-specific deadlines, so it’s worth checking each program’s exact timeline directly.

Image source: Cornell University