Columbia Youth in STEM Initiative

Our Approach

Engage students from underrepresented populations through hands-on instruction in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), while developing their leadership and communications skills. 

Support participating students with mentoring, special events, and other resources as they prepare for college and career. 

Build a community of lifelong connections. 

Our History

In 2016, Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies and Dean Jason Wingard launched the Columbia Girls in STEM Initiative in partnership with corporate sponsors to improve STEM education to bridge the gender gap, particularly to better serve minority women. SPS, along with corporate partners and community organizations to pilot programs in STEM education in three cities: San Francisco, Miami, and New York. High school students learned core competencies in the STEM fields, developed leadership skills, and established mentoring relationships with senior executives. 

The initial curriculum advisory committee included James Applegate, Ph.D., Professor of Astronomy; Rachel Austin, Ph.D., Vagelos Professor of Chemistry; Rita Charon, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Clinical Medicine; Jeanini D’Armiento, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine; Dana Pe’er, Ph.D.; Associate Professor of Biological Sciences; and Sharyn O’Halloran, Ph.D., George Blumenthal Professor of Political Economics and Professor of International and Public Affairs.

In 2017, the program expanded to four cities — in Washington, D.C., with National Geographic; in New York City with Goldman Sachs; in San Francisco with Microsoft; and in Miami with the Miami Dolphins (NFL) — with approximately 20 participants in each cohort. During the summer of 2020, the program pivoted online and held a three-day virtual symposium, “Engineering Hope and the Future.”

In 2021, SPS changed the program name to the Columbia Youth in STEM Initiative to be more inclusive. Today, the program works with high school students in New York City's five boroughs.

Program Highlights

As a program participant, you will:

• Learn from scholars and practitioners who are experts in their fields.
• Build a community of lifelong connections.
• Participate in world-class co-curricular activities.
• Differentiate yourself with a Columbia Certification of Participation and personalized evaluation letter.

This highly selective program is open to academically exceptional high school students, grades 10 to 12.

Program Requirements

• Local NYC students
• Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors 
• Underrepresented in STEM fields 
• Nominated by a high school administrator or nonprofit organization  
• Must attend mandatory end-of-program residency