Barnard Pre-College Programs: Empowering Young Women for Future Success

Barnard College's Pre-College Programs offer a transformative summer experience for young women, blending academic rigor with social engagement in the heart of New York City. These programs provide a unique opportunity to explore college-level education, develop leadership skills, and delve into diverse fields ranging from STEM to the humanities.

An Immersive Academic Experience

Barnard Pre-College Programs are designed to inspire young women academically, offering a range of courses tailored to various interests and career aspirations. These programs provide a holistic experience that nurtures personal growth, leadership, and cultural awareness.

Diverse Course Offerings

Students can choose from a wide range of courses that span various disciplines:

STEM: Dive into cutting-edge topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Courses like "Introduction to Neuroscience" or "Environmental Science and Sustainability" are designed to challenge your mind and ignite your passion for discovery.
Humanities: Explore your love for literature, history, and the arts. Engage with subjects such as "Creative Writing" or "Women and Leadership," where you can develop your voice and critical thinking skills.
Social Sciences: Understand the complexities of human society with courses like "Psychology of Gender" or "International Relations," providing a solid foundation for future studies in these dynamic fields.

These courses are meticulously crafted to reflect current academic trends and societal issues, ensuring that students are engaged with contemporary and relevant topics. Each course is designed to push students beyond their comfort zones, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual curiosity.

Distinguished Faculty

Classes are taught by Barnard’s esteemed faculty and guest instructors who are experts in their fields. This ensures that students receive top-notch education and mentorship, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their chosen subjects. Barnard faculty members bring their extensive knowledge and passion into the classroom, creating a dynamic and stimulating learning environment. Guest lecturers, often prominent professionals and scholars, provide additional insights and perspectives, enriching the overall academic experience. The opportunity to learn from such distinguished educators is a hallmark of the Barnard Pre-College Programs, inspiring students to pursue excellence in their academic and professional lives.

Read also: Entrepreneurship Program

Specific Courses and Programs

Barnard Pre-College Programs offer several courses tailored to inspire young women academically.

Kode with Klossy Powered by Barnard: A three-week program designed to empower high school girls through coding education, focusing on coding, web design, and software development.
Pre-Baccalaureate Program: This seven-week program immerses students in college-level courses, engaging them in subjects like psychology and literature. The residential Pre-Baccalaureate Program tuition is approximately $13,124, while the commuter option is around $9,434. Participants gain valuable experience in a college setting, a chance to earn credit, and a graded transcript upon completion.
Young Women's Leadership Summer Institute: Focused on developing young women's leadership skills, this program combines workshops with real-world application. The NextGen Leadership Institute embraces and explores the complex relationship between gender and leadership. Students will be pushed in new directions as they develop leadership skills through a feminist lens.
Data Science for Politics: This course teaches students how to use data to make informed political decisions, allowing students to analyze and interpret data to address political questions.
Women in Science: This course examines the contributions of women in scientific fields and encourages students to consider careers in STEM.

Leadership and Innovation Institutes

Barnard College also has several programs focusing on leadership and innovation.

NextGen Leadership Institute

The NextGen Leadership Institute is for curious and passionate high school students who want to engage with complex topics and explore leadership, all through a feminist lens. As a student in the NextGen Leadership Institute, participants will take courses within one of four tracks-STEM, writing and literature, global humanities, or art, movement, and performance. Through the program students will see what leadership in action looks like, while developing leadership skills with the support of Barnard’s Athena Center for Leadership.

In the STEMinist Track, students will explore STEM topics through projects and field trips, as well as begin to address some of the inequalities that women face in the STEM field and how students can begin to rewrite the narrative with their presence.
The Writing and Literature Track encourages young writers to develop their portfolios and get published, learning on the same campus where writers like Greta Gerwig and Zora Neale Hurston begin their journeys.
Students interested in the Global Humanities Track can expect to receive a comprehensive view of global, cultural, social, and political dynamics through the lenses of urban studies, sociology, gender studies and political science.
Finally the Art, Movement and Performance Track blends the rich history of art with the dynamic world of dance, where creativity, expression, and historical experience come to life.

The Institute is offered over two sessions.

Athena Summer Innovation Institute

The Athena Summer Innovation Institute is an intensive, 3-week boot camp that provides students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to develop ideas that will make a difference in the world. Students will work in teams to create a new venture - start-up businesses, non-profit organizations, or advocacy campaigns - that have the power to disrupt traditional ways of doing things and create lasting change.

Participants in the Athena Summer Innovation Institute should be creative, motivated, and have an entrepreneurial spirit. Students don’t need to have a business idea, but should be interested in developing ideas for products, services, and experiences that have the potential to challenge the status quo and create social good. Participants should be genuinely enthusiastic about working collaboratively to learn more about the startup journey and what it takes to be a member of a founding team.

Focused Institutes

Barnard College has several institutes that are focused on specific fields such as food and health.

Summer Food Institute

Barnard’s 3-Week Sustainable Food and the City introduces students to the U.S food system, examining food production, distribution, consumption, and waste management through four key lenses: agriculture; health, policy and justice; food systems and climate change; and soil health. Each week, students will explore farms all across the city and New York state to learn hands-on from farmers growing our food. The program will invite experts and professionals from each unit to guide student's learning experience. Students will take a deep dive into each of these units to imagine a food system that produces food in an ecologically mindful way while supporting our communities and the planet. The program is open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school.

Health and Society Institute

Open to rising high school juniors and seniors, this program examines the interplay of science, medicine, and the experience of health and illness by way of epistemological questions-“How do we know what we know?”-to appreciate not only what becomes defined and recognized as a disease, but the power relationships that produce these effects. This program takes up current and historical examples to interrogate how the benefits of advances in science and medicine remain unequally shared, while exploring critical tools social scientists have offered as possible interventions. Major themes from this session will address biomedicine as a cultural system, the politics of surveillance and care, the performance and rituals of healing, the structure of the US public health system, and others. Students will be engaging with work from a range of scholars, including anthropologists, philosophers, historians, physicians, scientists, and journalists, also with an eye to how these perspectives can inform the health experience of living in New York City.

Beyond the Classroom: The Pre-College Experience

Barnard Pre-College Programs are not just about academics. They are designed to provide a holistic experience that nurtures personal growth, leadership, and cultural awareness.

Life in New York City

Living on Barnard’s campus in the bustling metropolis of New York City, students have the unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Organized excursions to museums, Broadway shows, and historic landmarks are integral parts of the program, enriching students' cultural and social experiences. New York City, with its rich history and cultural diversity, serves as an extended classroom. Students might find themselves discussing modern art at the Museum of Modern Art, exploring the intricacies of natural history at the American Museum of Natural History, or delving into political science with a visit to the United Nations headquarters. These excursions are designed to complement the academic curriculum, providing practical and real-world contexts to theoretical knowledge.

Community and Networking

The programs bring together a diverse group of young women from around the world, fostering a supportive and inclusive community. This environment encourages collaboration, friendship, and networking, creating lasting connections that often extend beyond the summer. Living in the college dormitories, students experience a taste of college life, learning to balance independence with community living. The friendships formed here are often profound, built on shared experiences and mutual academic interests. The diversity of the student body ensures that everyone brings a unique perspective to discussions, enriching the learning experience and broadening each student’s worldview.

Leadership and Personal Development

Barnard’s commitment to empowering women leaders is woven into the fabric of the Pre-College Programs. Workshops on leadership, college preparation, and personal development are integral components, equipping students with the skills and confidence to navigate their future academic and professional paths. These workshops are designed to build essential skills such as public speaking, teamwork, and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to take initiative, lead group projects, and participate in discussions, fostering a sense of responsibility and self-assurance. Additionally, sessions on college applications and essay writing provide valuable guidance for those preparing for the next step in their academic journey.

A Springboard to the Future

Participating in Barnard Pre-College Programs can be a transformative experience. Many alumnae credit the programs with helping them gain clarity on their academic interests and career goals. Moreover, the experience of living and studying in a college environment prepares students for the demands and expectations of higher education.

College Credit and Application Advantage

Successful completion of certain courses can earn students college credit, providing a head start on their college journey. Additionally, the experience and achievements from the program can significantly strengthen college applications, showcasing a student's dedication, initiative, and readiness for college-level work. The experience gained from Barnard Pre-College Programs is a valuable asset when applying to colleges. Admissions committees recognize the rigor and prestige of Barnard’s programs, viewing participation as a testament to a student’s commitment to academic excellence and personal growth. This can provide a competitive edge in the increasingly selective college admissions process.

Evaluating the Value

When considering the value of courses at Barnard Pre-College Programs, prospective students should evaluate both cost and the potential benefits. Many students leave the program better prepared for the rigors of higher education, and the completion of college-level courses can be especially advantageous during college applications. Testimonials indicate that the supportive community and networking opportunities can be invaluable for future endeavors. However, individuals should weigh these benefits against the financial investment required, as some reviews suggest that not all students feel the experience justifies the expense.

Pros and Cons

Barnard's Pre-College Programs have received largely positive reviews, with a significant number of participants praising the empowering environment and robust curriculum.

Pros: Many students appreciate the collaborative atmosphere, qualified instructors, and strong community among participants.
Cons: Some alumni felt the cost was too high for the value received, citing instances of busy work and a lack of structured guidance in certain programs.

Preparing for Barnard Pre-College Programs

For those considering applying to Barnard Pre-College Programs, preparation is key to making the most of the experience. Here are some tips to ensure you are ready to embark on this exciting journey:

Academic Preparation: Review the course materials and any recommended readings before the program begins. Familiarizing yourself with the subject matter can help you hit the ground running.
Practical Considerations: Prepare for living away from home by learning basic skills such as laundry, budgeting, and time management. Understanding how to navigate these aspects of independent living will help you focus on your studies and enjoy your time in New York City.
Mental Preparation: Embrace a mindset of curiosity and openness. Be ready to engage with new ideas, meet people from different backgrounds, and step out of your comfort zone.

Alternative Pre-College Programs

While Barnard offers exceptional programs, other universities also provide valuable pre-college experiences. Some notable alternatives include:

Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA): The Boston College Experience provides motivated high school students the chance to gain early exposure to a rich and rewarding college experience through coursework, extracurricular activities, and reflection.
Brown University (Providence, RI): The Brown Pre-College Programs invite high school students to step off the summer-as-usual path and set a course for adventure at Brown University.
Carleton College (Northfield, MN): The Summer Liberal Arts Institute (SLAI) is an immersive summer learning program for high school sophomores and juniors to explore liberal arts through a rigorous and experiential curriculum.
Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA): Carnegie Mellon’s Pre-College Programs mirrors the undergraduate experience, allowing rising high school juniors and seniors to explore their interests and passions while receiving instruction from acclaimed Carnegie Mellon faculty and staff.
Columbia University (New York, NY): The Columbia Pre-College programs are thoughtfully designed to help students succeed beyond college applications.
Cornell University Precollege Studies (Ithaca, NY): Cornell University’s Precollege Summer Programs are for motivated high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Emory University (Atlanta, GA): The Emory Pre-College Program is a summer academic program for high school students.
Georgetown University (Washington, DC): The Georgetown Hoya Summer High School Sessions offer the opportunity to explore your academic interests, meet classmates from around the world, and earn college credit-all while experiencing the excitement of college life.
Harvard University (Cambridge, MA): Harvard Summer School is an academically rigorous experience for learners of all ages.
Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD): Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation Pre-College Programs has students collaborate with like-minded peers while experimenting, designing, creating, and learning to think like an engineer.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA): The MIT Women's Technology Program is a rigorous four-week summer experience that introduced rising high school seniors to engineering through hands-on classes, labs, and team-based projects.
New York University (New York, NY): The Tisch Summer High School Program is a tuition-based opportunity that culminates in four to six college credits.
Northwestern University (Evanston, IL): The National High School Institute at Northwestern has brought outstanding students to the Evanston campus for immersive educational experiences.
Pomona College (Claremont, CA): The Pomona College Academy for Youth Success (PAYS) enrolls 90+ high school students and prepares for admission to highly selective colleges and universities.
Princeton University (Princeton, NJ): The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) is housed in the Emma Bloomberg Center for Access and Opportunity at Princeton and is a free, year-long, one-of-a-kind opportunity for high school juniors from limited-income backgrounds.
Stanford University (Stanford, CA): The Stanford Summer Sessions provide high-achieving and ambitious students with a transformative educational experience at a world-class university.
The University of Chicago (Chicago, IL): The UChicago Summer Session brings together a global community of thinkers to discover diverse program opportunities designed to challenge and engage curious minds.
Tufts University (Medford, MA): The Adventures in Veterinary Medicine High School Program is an engaging way for high school students to spend two weeks learning more about the veterinary profession.
University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA): The UCLA Sci|Art Lab + Studio Summer Institute combines the scientific method and artistic processes to imagine the impossible.
University of California, San Diego (La Jolla, CA): UC San Diego Academic Connections offers a pre-college summer residential experience at a top-five, internationally ranked public institution to a diverse population of high-achieving, college-bound high school students.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI): The Summer Engineering Exploration (SEE) Camp is a one-week, residential camp hosted by the Society of Women Engineers at the University of Michigan.
University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN): Summer Scholars students spend two weeks on Notre Dame's campus taking a challenging college-level course taught by Notre Dame faculty.
University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA): The Pre-College Programs are designed for academically curious high school students interested in the intellectual challenge of Ivy League academics.
University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA): USC Summer Programs extends a tradition of excellence to outstanding high school students through diverse four-week summer courses.
Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN): Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth is so dedicated to the education of the next generation they offer accelerated courses for advanced and high-achieving students from Kindergarten through 12th grade.

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