THE PROGRAM

The Research Internship Program provides a great opportunity for high school students to tackle research problems in a college setting. Interns work in teams on applied research projects under the constant guidance of Cooper Union undergraduate teaching assistants. Each project is supervised and mentored by Cooper Union faculty and covers fields such as civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical, biomedical and environmental engineering; mathematics, chemistry, physics and astronomy.

This intense experience is designed to give insight into scientific and engineering professions; a chance to interact with talented undergraduate students in a university environment; an opportunity to work with faculty in the forefront of engineering education; and last, but not least, the fun and rewards that come with the challenges of undertaking real research.

Each research project is complemented by lectures and discussions led by Cooper Union faculty. These will add to the math and science the interns are learning at school and demonstrate how these subjects form the foundation of the engineering and scientific professions.

In addition to this technical training, the program includes workshops on oral presentations, technical writing, career choices, college admissions as well as introductions to Cooper Union's library resources and computer facilities. Typically projects include a field trip to a research site or major science center to enhance the interns' experience.

The six-week program culminates with each group presenting their work to an invited audience. The interns receive a certificate from the Albert Nerken School of Engineering recognizing their participation in the program.

High school sophomores and juniors work together in the project teams, with the juniors taking a more advanced role. Sophomores may also elect to participate in a second Internship Program at the end of their junior year.

Program sessions are held four days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants are committing to this schedule, and will not be allowed to start the program late or finish early. Participants are eligible for passes to cover their transportation costs. Interns must provide their own lunch.

Students learn what engineers and scientists do and what they are capable of accomplishing. Their research projects give them hands-on experience using our engineering laboratories and other facilities."—Professor Perry Grossman, Mechanical Engineering.

ELIGIBILITY

High school sophomores and juniors who currently attend schools in New York City's five boroughs (public or private) may apply to the program. To ensure an intense, personalized and productive experience for the interns, admission is competitive.

Acceptance or rejection to the Research Internship Program does not affect entrance to Cooper Union's undergraduate program.

DEADLINE

It is the applicant's responsibility to remind the advisor/teacher of the deadline so that your application materials are submitted on time.

ESSAY

The essay is a portrait of you. It is what you feel it is important for us to know about you. What you write is totally up to you. Remember your essay should be typed, word processed or neatly printed. Check it for spelling and grammatical errors. One page is perfectly acceptable and please do not send any school work such as lab reports, homework assignments etc.

NOTIFICATION

Your application will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Admission is based on your academic record, letter of recommendation and essay. You will be notified in early Spring as to whether your application has been successful.

Commitment by a student to the Summer Research Internship Program means that they will participate the full length of the program. No exceptions will be made.

All decisions are final.

This program is made possible through generous donations by Con Edison of New York, Hebrew Technical Institute, the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust and Northrup Grumman.