Cornell Programs for High School Students

Cornell runs engineering academies (CURIE and CATALYST, built for students underrepresented in the field), residential Summer College courses, and research bootcamps down to nanofabrication.

CURIE and CATALYST are low-cost and selective — the strongest Cornell lines for engineering-bound applicants.

6 verified Cornell programs, 3 free — every listing includes cost, eligibility, deadline, and the official application link.

Featured programs

Browse 6+ curated programs for high school students:

  • Cornell Math Explorers Program — Cornell University: Boost math skills in this summer enrichment program for 9th-10th graders. Gain hands-on experience, enhance college applications, and explore advanced
  • Cornell NanoBiotechnology Bootcamp — Cornell University: Explore nanotechnology and biotechnology in this hands-on summer program at Cornell. Perfect for high schoolers seeking research experience and colleg
  • Cornell University Summer College — Cornell University: Pre-college program at Cornell University for high school students focusing on various.
  • CURIE Academy — Cornell University College of Engineering: Engineering immersion for women-identifying students.
  • Psychology Research Opportunity — Cornell University: A stem opportunity for high school students.
  • CATALYST Academy — Cornell University College of Engineering: One-week engineering program emphasizing diversity and access.

Frequently asked questions

Does Cornell offer programs for high school students?

Yes — ExtracurricularHub lists 6 verified Cornell programs open to high school students, each with cost, eligibility, deadline, and an official application link. Cornell runs engineering academies (CURIE and CATALYST, built for students underrepresented in the field), residential Summer College courses, and research bootcamps down to nanofabrication.

Are any Cornell high school programs free?

Yes — 3 of the Cornell programs featured on this page charge no participation fee. Funded programs are often the most selective, so apply early and to more than one.

Which Cornell deadlines are coming up soonest?

The next deadlines: Cornell Math Explorers Program (December 1, 2026); Cornell University Summer College (June 1, 2027); Psychology Research Opportunity (June 1, 2027). Deadlines change every cycle — always confirm on the official Cornell page.

How competitive are Cornell programs?

It varies widely within one organization — flagship selective programs sit alongside broad-access options. Read each listing's eligibility, and treat the selective ones as reach applications: apply to several programs across organizations rather than betting a summer on one.