Barnard College, Columbia University

Are you considering a career in architecture or design? Are you working on your college application and portfolio? Or are you simply curious about what it is like to be an architect? The Summer Springboard architecture course for high school students introduces architectural ideas, design principles, and methods of exploring problems of the built environment in a collaborative studio setting. While working on a design project you will learn about the academic path to an architectural degree, the day-to-day work of an architect, and the career opportunities.

In their first class, students will break into teams and come up with an original business idea. Over the course of the entire program they develop this idea into a business that they will ultimately pitch to investors. Along the way, teams need to develop a marketing plan and financial projections. By using an experiential learning approach, students will quickly engage in the topic, and the instructor introduces the underlying theory and concepts as students tackle these issues while trying to build their business. On the final day of the course the teams present their products to an expert panel of judges who provide professional and informative feedback to the students.

This course offers an engaging introduction to coding through Python, suitable for beginners and those with some programming background. Students will explore Python fundamentals, covering key topics like variables, data types, control structures, functions, and loops, with a blend of theory and hands-on practice. Students will undertake projects designed to enhance problem-solving skills and coding proficiency. Those with previous experience in programming will find opportunities to challenge themselves further, while newcomers will gain a solid foundation in Python syntax and program design. The course culminates in a final project, enabling students to demonstrate their skills and add a significant piece to their programming portfolio. This course is structured to build confidence and competence in Python, paving the way for future programming endeavors.

Excursions in New York: During last summer’s program, students had the opportunity to explore Microsoft through a behind-the-scenes tour, gaining insights into cutting-edge technology, and engaged in immersive spy simulations at Spyscape. Visits may extend to other top tech companies like Salesforce and Justworks this summer. Furthermore, students will have the chance to learn from industry professionals, including computer programmers, software engineers, and game developers.

Our summer medical program for high school students gives you a 360 degree view of the medical and healthcare field, as well as immersive learning through hands-on projects and simulations. Students will get the unique opportunity to hop on board and learn how things really operate in the back of an ambulance. In addition, they will get behind-the-scenes access to a hospital ward room, emergency or intensive care unit room, operating room or procedural training room.

Uncover your passion for fashion and explore diverse career opportunities in one of the world’s most reknowned fashion cities. Renowned for their rich history of top fashion events, leading designers, and a thriving fashion culture, these cities are legendary and exert tremendous influence in the fashion world. Prepare to use these cities as your living classrooms for an exciting journey of discovery.

Throughout the program, students will immerse themselves in the business aspects of the fashion industry, guided by insights from industry professionals. Drawing inspiration from Steve Madden, they will explore topics such as consumer behavior and fashion forecasting. This journey culminates in the creation and presentation of conceptual designs for the Steve Madden brand. As the course concludes, students will showcase their innovative Steve Madden bag concepts at the Steve Madden headquarters in NYC, with one standout design earning a prize.

Students will break into teams with each team selecting a promising stock that the team will research throughout the course and ultimately pitch to a group of investors. Faculty will provide hands-on help to students throughout this process. Along the way; students will be introduced to core investment concepts including the characteristics of different asset classes, public vs private equity, the workings of the stock market, company financials, company valuation and portfolio design.

Excursions in New York – Students will visit to an investment company in the New York area.

In week one, students will learn journalism basics such as article structure and AP style formatting, practice writing exercises, and explore interviewing techniques. They will also engage in a course excursion to gain additional insights.

In week two, students will focus on feature writing, vignettes, and journalism in social media, including a dedicated “”TikTok Day”” exercise. The second week will conclude with a final simulation press conference to apply their learning.

Through psychology simulations and hands-on neurology workshops, you will explore the relationships between the brain and human behavior. Whether you are interested in the physical aspect of the brain and central nervous system or more intrigued by human behavior and thought processes, connect with professionals that have a background in both psychology and neuroscience. 

Excursions Examples – Previous students enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, such as a visit to the NYU Psychology lab. Here, they witnessed the operation of an fMRI machine and actively participated in research studies. Last summer, students explored the Alvarado lab, gaining insights into biology and encountering various animals. Our guest speakers have included experts from Harvard, UCLA, and Google.