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Summer College 2023 in Photos

The Office of Pre-College Programs at the College of Professional Studies has wrapped up another successful year of Summer College at Syracuse University.

Summer College is a program designed to give high school students the opportunity to explore potential college majors and careers. This renowned pre-college program allows high school students to experience what it’s like to be a college student through dorm living, interactive courses, and community engagement.

To learn more about Summer College and other pre-college programs, visit precollege.syr.edu.

Enjoy the Summer College – On Campus 2023 highlights below!

Summer College students participate in an Aerospace Engineering class outside on a large field.
Aerospace Engineering class
Summer College students participate in an Aerospace Engineering class outside on a large field.
Aerospace Engineering class
A Summer College student examines the architecture class final exhibition.
Architecture class final exhibition
Summer college students examine the architecture class final exhibition.
Architecture class final exhibition
Summer College students participate in the art academy final exhibition.
Art Academy final exhibition
People examine the art academy final exhibition.
Art Academy final exhibition
Summer College students design a character during the computer animation and game design course.
Computer Animation & Game Design
The electrical engineering Summer College class poses for a group photo.
Electrical Engineering
Four Summer College students pose with Otto.
July 4 Celebration
Summer College students tosses giant inflatable balls on a field.
July 4 Celebration
Two Summer College students pose with Otto.
July 4 Celebration
Summer College students play with inflatable bumper balls on the quad.
July 4 Celebration
A Summer College student shows off a dragon made in the makerspace and 3D printing class.
Makerspace & 3D Printing
Four Summer College students pose with a 3D printer.
Makerspace & 3D Printing
Two Summer College students pose for a picture with the Media Literacy, Popular Culture & Democracy instructor.
Media Literacy, Popular Culture & Democracy
The Media Literacy, Popular Culture & Democracy class poses for a group photo.
Media Literacy, Popular Culture & Democracy
Otto high fives a Summer College student during move-in.
Move-In
Otto poses with a Summer College student and parent.
Move-In
Students hold their luggage during Summer College move-in.
Move-In
A student illustrates a still life during the observational drawing class.
Observational Drawing class
Students illustrate a still life during the observational drawing class.
Observational Drawing class
Summer College students work at a computer during the sound engineering and audio production class.
Sound Engineering and Audio Production class
Summer College students play instruments in a recording studio during the sound engineering and audio production class.
Sound Engineering and Audio Production class
Summer College students analyze sports analytics.
Sport Analytics class
Summer College students participate in an obstacle course during the team and leadership academy.
Team and Leadership Academy
Summer College students participate in an obstacle course during the team and leadership academy.
Team and Leadership Academy
Summer College students participate in an obstacle course during the team and leadership academy.
Team and Leadership Academy

School’s Out, but Syracuse University is In For High Schoolers Seeking Unique Summer—And Year-Round—Experiences

Back in April 1972, the legendary American rock band Alice Cooper struck a chord with young people eagerly awaiting several months of recess. “School’s Out” became an instant hit and anthem for students dreaming of a warm-weather break from teachers, books, exams and grades.

Yet for more than 60 years, school’s been decidedly “in” at Syracuse University through its Summer College program for motivated high school learners from across the globe.

“Access to college is an important part of the mission of the College of Professional Studies,” says Dean Michael Frasciello. “While we are well known for assisting non-traditional students with their higher education goals, the College remains committed to providing a transformational introductory experience to university life, including academics and on-campus living.”

Now that summer is over and the regular school year rhythm has begun, Christopher Cofer, executive director of Pre-College Programs, reflects on 2023 and prepares for the coming months.

For the first time in six decades, Summer College in 2020 and 2021 were offered online only, due to the pandemic; enrollment for both sessions exceeded 800. Total enrollment across all programs in 2022 was just over 1,000 and close to 1,200 in 2023.

Ironically, the pandemic provided the College with opportunities to diversify and expand programming. “We enhanced our summer portfolio by adding a hybrid program that offered study full time on campus for two weeks, followed by course completion online for four additional weeks,” says Cofer.

The College also added commuter courses at Syracuse University in Los Angeles and the Fisher Center in New York City. A Research Immersion Program was launched, providing pre-college students with the ability to work with faculty in their labs. Finally, Summer College was re-branded as the Office of Pre-College Programs. “We began an Accelerated Semester Online, allowing pre-college students to enroll for eight-week online courses in the fall and spring through the College of Professional Studies,” Cofer says.

The College plays a major role in expanding Syracuse University’s global presence, with Summer College attracting students on-campus from 35 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, as well as from 25 nations around the world.

As enhancing as the Summer College experience may be, tuition can present obstacles for many students. This year, the University provided partial need and merit-based scholarships to more than 150 students, with more than 300 attending Summer College at no cost to them or their parents though partnerships Cofer has established with more than 30 schools, organizations, and foundations across the country. An additional 200 students took advantage of one of the College’s many 20 percent or 50 percent discount offers.

While many students from private and suburban schools take advantage of Summer College, access for City of Syracuse district (SCSD) high schoolers has been prohibitive due to cost. In summer of 2020, the city schools committed funds, along with donations from private individuals and organizations. Post-pandemic, Summer College returned to campus with an increasing number of SCSD students: 17 in year one, 31 in year two and 35 during 2023. “We are especially grateful to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IBEW Local 43 in Syracuse, for the $20,000 in funds they provided in 2023,” says Frasciello.

Harkening back to Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out” invocation of years ago, students today may not be as eager to sing that song as they once were. “Syracuse University’s Summer College program provides as close as a high school student can get to a college-like experience while still being in high school,” says Cofer. He also points to the more than 100 credit and noncredit course offerings from 10 of the University’s schools and colleges, including unique subjects like Astro-Bioengineering: Searching for the Limit of Life; InstaFamous 101: Creating and Maintaining a Social Media Empire; and Movies and the Meaning of Life among those more commonly known, such as Introduction to Sociology.

The 1972 billboard hit’s lyrics proclaimed, “Well, we got no choice, all the girls and boys…making all that noise, ‘cause they found new toys.” Some 50 years later, the new toys of summer for high schoolers may just well be cool new courses at Syracuse University.

Are you interested in helping to provide a meaningful summer social and academic experience for a young person at the College of Professional Studies? Learn more by contacting Executive Director, Post Traditional Advancement, Jeffry Comanici, ’88, MPA ’23, at 315.443.1409 or jjcomani@syr.edu.

Story by Cheryl Abrams

Syracuse University’s Pre-College Program Announces 2023 Discounts

For more than 60 years, Syracuse University has been giving high school students the opportunity to learn about potential careers and college majors through its nationally recognized pre-college program, Summer College.

Syracuse University continues its commitment to welcoming and celebrating a diverse student body by providing financial incentives to students from a variety of communities for its upcoming 2023 Summer College program.

The Office of Pre-College Programs has announced generous discounts for high school dependents of employees (20%), alumni (20%) and veterans or active service members (50%), as well as local CNY (20%) and Native American and Indigenous (50%) high school students.

In Summer College, students can explore potential college majors and academic interests by taking one (or more!) of the over 100 credit or noncredit-bearing college-level courses taught by expert Syracuse University faculty and instructors. From July through August 2023, high school sophomores, juniors and seniors can experience college life on campus, online or in a hybrid format during 6-week, 3-week, or 2-week sessions.

High school students from more than 55 countries and 50 states have enrolled in a Syracuse University pre-college program, and 98% report that their experience prepared them for academic life and beyond. Students leave the program with a greater sense of independence and confidence, better prepared for college, and with a unique differentiator on their college applications.

Applications are currently open and will close on May 1, 2023. Students are encouraged to apply early as many courses fill before the deadline. To learn more about Summer College, join un upcoming virtual information session.

2023 Summer College Discount Information

  • Syracuse University Employee 20% Discount
    To qualify, the student must be a child or dependent of a current Syracuse University employee. This discount has no association with the general dependent tuition options offered by Syracuse University and is offered independently by The Office of Pre-College Programs. This discount provides a 20% discount on the total cost of attendance for each course enrolled.
  • Syracuse Legacy Alumni 20% Discount
    To qualify, the student must be one of the following: a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of a Syracuse University Alumni, a sibling of a student currently enrolled at Syracuse University, a former pre-college student, or a current or past SUPA (Syracuse University Project Advance) student. This discount provides a 20% discount on the total cost of attendance for each course enrolled.
  • Central New York Resident 20% Discount
    To qualify, students must be residents of Onondaga County, New York or the immediate surrounding counties (Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oneida, and Oswego) and live on campus for the duration of the course as a residential student. Commuter students are not eligible for this discount. This discount provides a 20% discount on the total cost of (residential) attendance for each course enrolled.
  • Veteran and Military 50% Discount
    Syracuse University is proud to have a tradition of service to veteran and military families. Summer College will continue this tradition by offering children of veterans or active service members a discount. Documentation is required to qualify for this 50% discount on the total cost of attendance for each course enrolled.
  • Native American and Indigenous Student 50% Discount
    Our campus is just minutes from the heart of Haudenosaunee territory, and we are committed to empowering and supporting Indigenous students of any tribe or nation. Summer College will continue this tradition by offering indigenous students from any tribe or nation a discount. Documentation is required to qualify for this discount. This discount provides a 50% discount on the total cost of attendance for each course enrolled.
  • Multi-Program and Sibling 20% Discount
    To qualify, students must either enroll in more than one Summer College course in 2023 or have a sibling attending a Summer College course in 2023. This discount provides a 20% discount on the total cost of attendance for each course enrolled.

To qualify for any discount above, applicants will be instructed to provide the necessary information as part of the Scholarship and Discounts section in the online application. Discounts and scholarships cannot be combined. The Office of Pre-College Programs will offer the award that provides the maximum benefit to the student in situations where more than one discount or scholarship applies.

Record-Breaking Attendance for 2022 Summer College at Syracuse University

By Amy Kruse

This summer, Syracuse University’s Summer College welcomed its largest cohort of high school students in its over 60-year history. More than 1,000 students from around the world enrolled in an on-campus or online pre-college course through Syracuse University. This was the first time in two years that pre-college students were on campus for the program.

“I am overjoyed that so many high school students chose to attend Summer College at Syracuse University,” said Chris Cofer, executive director at the Office of Pre-College Programs. “We made a concerted effort to maintain a robust and diversified portfolio of over 80 course offerings, and I think students responded to that.”

In the spring of 2020, Summer College had to quickly pivot in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. Up until that point, Summer College had only been an in-person program. All high school students who attended pre-college at Syracuse University would spend 2-6 weeks experiencing college life on campus. They lived in residence halls, attended college-level classes, ate meals in a dining hall and went on field trips to regional landmarks.

As the number of COVID cases started to rise in early 2020, many institutions around the country cancelled their summer pre-college programs. Syracuse University’s Office of Pre-College Programs decided to take a risk and move all of their courses to an online format. “My team was prepared to take on the challenge of creating a program that met students where they were—at home,” Cofer said. “We viewed it as an opportunity to provide a robust, online pre-college program that high school students could attend virtually in the comfort and safety of their homes.”

Students responded, and the program exceeded enrollment expectations. Summer College had 837 high school students enroll in their online summer program, an 18% increase from the prior year.

In 2021, Summer College decided to only offer online courses again due to the high level of COVID cases. While students couldn’t have the experience of living on campus for yet another summer, the program tried to emulate a campus experience. Students had ‘community connectors’ in place and they could take part in virtual events and activities to unwind and meet students in other online courses. Professors had virtual office hours for extra help and students could take advantage of other Syracuse University resources offered online like the writing center.

Although case numbers were down significantly in 2022, the decision to offer an in-person option wasn’t easy. “We had to make the decision in the fall of 2021,” explains Cofer. “I chose to stay true to our general operating philosophy to meet students where they are. We anticipated that cases would be lower and that students would want to be in-person again.”

They were right, and a record was broken. 1,060 high school students from 40 U.S. states and 18 countries attended Summer College this year.

By offering more than 80 courses both in-person and online, a greater population of students could attend pre-college. While most students attended the in-person program, more than 150 took their classes online. For some, it was because of the ongoing risk of COVID. For others, an online program fits better into their lives because of jobs or other responsibilities.

Historically, high school students attended Summer College for many reasons. They can test out a college major to find out if it’s something they want to pursue. It’s also a valuable differentiator on a college application. Many students are interested in attending Syracuse University, but they want to see what it’s like before applying. This year, those reasons are all still true, but living through a pandemic has caused students to have different perspectives, challenges and needs. Two weeks of living on a college campus was transformational for these students.

“A quote from a 2022 Summer College parent sums it up better than I can,” said Cofer. “They said, I have noticed that my son holds himself differently now. He moves through the world with a bit more confidence. A bit more assured of himself. He’s comfortable going off and figuring something out more than he was before.” Applications for Summer College 2023 will open in December. Applications for Accelerated Semester Online courses, which are offered during the school year, are open now.

Syracuse University’s Pre-College Program Announces 50% Discount for Native American, Indigenous and Military Dependent High School Students

Syracuse University continues its commitment to welcoming and celebrating a diverse student body by providing financial incentives to students from a variety of communities who attend Summer College, the university’s nationally recognized pre-college program for high school students.

“Educational opportunities such as Syracuse University’s Summer College are essential and necessary for young people to realize their inherent potential as individuals and as citizens,” says College of Professional Studies dean, Michael Frasciello. “Summer College introduces them to the transformational power of a college education.”

Syracuse University, whose campus resides on the ancestral lands of the Onondaga Nation, firekeepers of the Haudenosaunee, is committed to empowering and supporting Native American and Indigenous students. As part of this extensive commitment, the College of Professional Studies has created a 50% tuition discount on Summer College for students from any indigenous tribe or nation. The Indigenous Student discount will help establish Summer College as a viable pre-college pathway to high school students who later access the university’s Haudenosaunee Promise Scholarship, Honor Scholarship and Indigenous Pathways Grant – all developed to help make a Syracuse education affordable for Indigenous students.

Continuing Syracuse University’s distinguished legacy of leadership in addressing the needs of our nation’s veterans and military-connected communities, Summer College will now offer military-connected high school students an increased tuition discount of 50%, up from 20%.

“Extending financial support to pre-college age children of veterans, active military, guard and reserve members is another example of our institutional commitment to those who serve and have served,” Frasciello says.

After celebrating 60 years of Summer College in 2020, the program has evolved in numerous ways. In 2020 and 2021, Summer College offered its entire portfolio of summer courses online due to Covid-19 restrictions. Moving ahead, Summer College will offer on-campus, online and hybrid experiences for students, as well as on-location programs for commuter students in NYC and Los Angeles.

From July through August 2022, high school sophomores, juniors and seniors can experience college life on campus, online or in a hybrid format during 6-week, 3-week, or 2-week sessions. 

High school students from more than 50 countries and 45 states have enrolled in a Syracuse University pre-college program, and 98% report that their experience prepared them for academic life and beyond.

“Students not only learn about what it’s like to be a college student, they leave the program with more confidence, enthusiasm and a sense of being ready for college,” says Christopher Cofer, executive director of the Office of Pre-College Programs. “This year, students can choose from over 100 courses in one of our pre-college programs.”

Many students complete their Summer College courses with a new sense of themselves and a new perspective of the world. Upon completion of Summer College, students often tell us they had no idea how much the experience would mean to them, how much of an impact it would have on them, when they arrived often only two weeks beforehand,” Cofer says.

Russian High School Student Stands Out From Afar in Syracuse University Online Class

Kseniia Borovkova is a junior in high school in Saratov, Russia. Saratov is a large town surrounded by forests and the Volga River, the longest river in Europe.

At 5 a.m. this past school year, while her parents and brother were still asleep, Borovkova signed on to her computer to participate in the live synchronous session of her Syracuse University strategic leadership class that started at at 8 p.m. ET. Like most high school students, Borovkova relies on computer technology to complete her studies, conduct research and connect with others through social media.

Through online research, Borovkova explored American universities that would provide her with unique programs of study. Syracuse University had just what she was looking for: an accelerated online course she could take during the school year that will help her in her future business and academic pursuits.

Borovkova applied for and was accepted into the Accelerated Semester Online program through University College’s Office of Pre-college Programs. Read more here.

Syracuse University Partners With Syracuse City School District to Provide Pathways to Higher Learning

Syracuse University embraces its commitment to promoting positive change that simultaneously advances knowledge and opportunity for all citizens. A large part of that commitment is providing access to a Syracuse University education to local high school students.

In partnership with the Syracuse City School District, the University will offer scholarships to up to 36 rising high school juniors to explore college life through its Summer College program. Sponsorship of the city school students was made possible, in part, through a generous donation from IBEW Local 43 and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Finger Lakes Chapter.

Read more here.

Student Stories: Celine

Celine attended Summer College – Online in 2020 and was enrolled in Broadcast and Digital Journalism: TV News Storytelling.

“I loved participating in the Syracuse University Summer College – Online experience for three reasons.

First, I was introduced to students from across the country who share my passion for broadcast journalism. Although I didn’t get to meet my professors and peers in person, I was still able to build deep connections and I continue to maintain contact with several of my classmates today.

Second, the welcoming and comfortable environment that was pervasive throughout the three-week course was very heartwarming. I was a bit nervous going into the program as I felt my lack of experience would hinder me from succeeding, however my concerns were quickly alleviated by the engaging and friendly instructors.

Finally, I learned a great deal of information about the broadcast industry and production process that I can now apply to my personal projects and future endeavors. This helped me pinpoint my interests and provided me with a better sense of what I want to study at university and consider for a future career.” 

Thanks for sharing, Celine!

“I had the best summer ever.”

All I can say is: don’t walk, run to attend Summer School at Syracuse University. I had the best summer ever.

From the minute I walked on the campus to check in, I felt a warm and friendly vibe. Syracuse makes everyone feel welcome. I made friends from all over the world.

To give you a sense of campus life, one of the fondest memories I have is, late at night,  going with a group of newly made friends to Insomnia. Insomnia bakes the most insanely delicious cookies. They were warm, fresh, chewy and provided just the right pick-me-up after studying at the library. It was a great place to mingle, get refueled and then go back to the dorm to play insanely competitive ping pong with the RA’s. There is a good balance of being independent, but also they keep checks on your safety. The RA’s go out of their way to make sure everyone feels included.

The program itself was just the right mix of intense study, but also fun. I formed a great relationship with the professor. They go out of their way to get to know the strengths of each student. I felt it prepared me for college life. I discovered how hard it can be to work as a member of a team to meet deadlines, and wrestle with whose idea will be chosen as the business pitch.  I learned things about myself as a leader, such as how to get buy-in and get people to rally behind one idea. I grew as a student.

Josh, a Summer College Launching a Business student from 2018.

Thank you for sharing, Josh!

“I learned so much more than I thought I ever would.”

Veronica, Summer College student 2018

When you reflect upon your Syracuse University College experience, what memories come to mind?

Summer College introduced me to many other students that were just as passionate as I was about what we learned in the classroom. Being able to work together with other students on a shared passion is something that I haven’t had the chance to do at my small high school. I met amazing people, as the friends I made quickly became family. We still talk on a daily basis and keep one another up to date on our lives.

How did Summer College help with your future endeavors?

Attending Summer College with a class dedicated to my passion, I learned so much more than I thought I ever would. Coming back [home], I was able to teach my classmates as well as teachers about what I had learned during my two weeks. I started a photography club where I give lessons and assign projects to the students and faculty of my school who join. Being able to pass on what I learned from my two weeks at Summer College to others has been so rewarding, as it inspired me to create a space where we can all learn from one another.

What would you say/what advice would you give to prospective students and/or their parents?

I know it can be scary going off for two weeks to live with a bunch of strangers, but it is definitely an experience worth having that will teach you what it will be like when the time finally comes to live on your own–and it’s not as scary as it sounds! You have people all around you who are experiencing the same thing for the first time and you quickly make friends as you all take care of one another. It is definitely an experience worth having before going through the college application process, as it will also teach you what it is you’re looking for in a university.

Thank you for sharing, Veronica!