CATALYST Academy is a one-week program for rising high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds who desire to learn about engineering and careers within an interactive milieu. This summer connect with Cornell University and find out for yourself at the CATALYST Academy!

Non-credit

Residential

Accepts International Students

Financial Aid

Final project

CATALYST Academy is a one-week residential program for rising high school juniors and seniors who desire to learn about engineering in the context of an authentic college experience. CATALYST Academy is open to students of all gender identities.

CATALYST Scholars spend one week on the Cornell campus, living in dormitories, and networking with current Cornell Engineering students, faculty, and a diverse group of participants from across the country. Participants attend daily classes in one area of study led by a Cornell Engineering faculty member, and work cooperatively under the supervision of faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students to execute and present a research project. Additionally, students participate in ten field sessions across our engineering majors, as well as one field session focused on the admissions process. The Academy seeks primarily to develop literacy surrounding engineering as a major course of study in college, showcase career and graduate school pathways in engineering, and demystify the admissions process.

CATALYST Academy has a particular focus on bringing together a diverse group of young minds, including those from backgrounds historically excluded from and underrepresented in STEM fields. Therefore, we strongly encourage students whose backgrounds and lived experiences are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields (individuals who identify as Black, Hispanic, American Indian/Indigenous, female, neurodivergent, and/or living with a disability), as well as those who may not have access to robust, STEM-related curricular resources, to apply for CATALYST.

CATALYST Academy offers its scholars an authentic college experience. CATALYST Scholars participate in daily interactive academic, research, and social activities designed to build literacy surrounding various engineering fields, academic and career pathways, and demystify the STEM admissions process.

Field Sessions
CATALYST Scholars participate in nine (9) field sessions led by Cornell Engineering faculty across each of Cornell Engineering’s major fields of study.
In these sessions, participants learn about the field, related curriculum, current trends and research,
Each field session includes interactive and hands-on experiences.
Additionally, Cornell Engineering Admissions provides a 10th field session that demystifies the admissions process for students interested in pursuing their post-secondary studies at Cornell.
Research Project
CATALYST Scholars attend classes under the auspices of a Cornell Engineering faculty member.
CATALYST Scholars work in small collaborative groups.
The faculty and a team of post-docs, graduate students, and/or undergraduates instruct and mentor CATALYST through a curriculum which culminates into a specific project.
Groups present their findings or outcomes on the final day. Parents or guardians are welcomed to attend the final presentations.
Social Activities
CATALYST program assistants lead the cohort in social activities and friendly engineering competitions.
Social activities may include group outings to the Lindseth Climbing Center, Treman State Park, bowling at Helen Newman Hall, and more!

Cornell Engineering: CATALYST Academy Summer Program

Jul 16 - Jul 22

1 week

Residential

1450 USD

CATALYST Academy tuition – $1,450.00
Includes room, board/meals, and research supplies
Payable after notification of acceptance/admission
We strive to make the program accessible to our participants. We encourage applicants who are concerned about affordability to apply for a scholarship.
All participants are required to pay a $75 non-refundable deposit.

​Additionally, rising seniors (class of 2024) who are African/Black American, Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, or Pacific Islander and/or first-generation college students meeting the requirements below will automatically be considered for a tuition waiver for the 2023 CATALYST Academy.

Financial Aid

Scholarships
Scholarships for tuition and/or travel are available based upon demonstrated need.
To be considered for scholarship, submit the Financial Assistance Form in conjunction with the CATALYST Academy Application and supporting documents by March 1, 2023.
If you are admitted to CURIE Academy as well, and you submit the financial assistance form, you will receive a separate scholarship award notification.