A

Columbia Engineering’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)

Columbia Engineering’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) is a selective pre-college program for high school students and recent graduates. SHAPE is tailored for students with a gift for STEM: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Each 3-week session offers college-level, project-based courses in engineering taught by celebrated professors at the university.

SHAPE gives students a more realistic picture of what it means to be an engineer, and its professional development components help students develop the skills they need to get there.

Courses

SHAPE features creative problem-solving courses and exposes students to innovative engineering techniques and knowledge presented by professors. Please note that SHAPE does not provide college credit.

Students gain access to the famous MakerSpace and state-of-the-art research laboratories after completing the safety training and will only do so under close guidance.

SHAPE also provides students with workshops to explore career fields, professional development, and guidance on sharpening one’s college application from admissions officers. Students in the program will be visiting companies and organizations that show the classroom content in practice.

Application

Students are selected based on the following criteria:

1. Strong academic record

2. Personal statement to demonstrate excitement and interest in STEM through engagement in challenging courses, activities, projects, etc.

3. Enthusiastic letter of recommendation submitted by a math or science teacher

4. Creative responses to two required questions and one of the three optional questions

We encourage all students to apply by the priority deadline of June 15, 2023, so there is no application fee. After the priority deadline, a $50 application fee is required.

SHAPE is dedicated to supporting students and their families in need of financial assistance. We offer a limited number of need-based scholarships, which cover the full cost of SHAPE. To be considered for a need-based scholarship, families will need to provide a recent pay receipt and complete a Family Income and Expense Worksheet.

Email: shape@columbia.edu for more information.