Help students achieve their dreams

Cornell University's award-winning Precollege Summer Program, in keeping with Cornell's founding principles, is dedicated to providing excellent educational opportunities for young people of all backgrounds. To that end, we welcome support from individuals and organizations interested in furthering our mission.

We also encourage you to contact us directly.

And be sure to check out an editorial in The Hill about “How to make college accessible to students from rural communities.”

An opportunity for students of all backgrounds

Started more than 50 years ago, the Cornell University Precollege Summer Program is one of the nation's longest running programs of its kind. Each summer, more than 1,500 motivated high school students from around the world study with Cornell during three- and six-week programs. Students:

  • Take regular college classes with leading Cornell faculty.
  • Earn three to 12 credits and an official Cornell transcript.
  • Prepare for college applications.

The Precollege Summer Program is a unique opportunity for students to experience college life, test their interest in and aptitude for a rigorous higher education, and make great friends. Students often say it was the best summer of their life.

A supportive yet challenging environment

For all students, but especially for disadvantaged students, the supportive yet challenging Precollege Summer Program environment can make the difference between minimal academic preparation and being successful in both school and future careers.

The need is great

Every year we receive hundreds of requests for financial assistance, and unfortunately, these requests far exceed available aid.

Precollege Summer Program scholarships are given to well-qualified students with the most financial need. In some cases, they may be the first in their family to attend college.

How to give

We are extremely grateful to the many individuals and organizations who sponsor scholarships, provide endowments, or fund programs. It's because of this support that many deserving young people are able to attend the Cornell University Precollege Summer Program.

The Precollege Summer Program welcomes gifts of any amount in support of these outstanding students.

For more information, contact SCE Dean Mary Loeffelholz by calling 607.255.7393 or emailing ml2657@cornell.edu.

Giving information

Please visit the Alumni Affairs and Development website.

  • Under "Select a fund to support," click "Colleges and schools"
  • Under "Select colleges and schools," choose the "School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions," then select "Precollege Scholarships."

If you have any questions, please call 1.800.279.3099.

Giving opportunities

Giving opportunities Gift amount
For 2 – 8 credits $3,880 - $15,520
Other Gifts of any amount are welcome

Matching gifts

Do you work for a company that matches gifts to universities?

You can double or triple your gift to the Precollege Summer Program if you or your spouse work for one of more than a thousand companies. Check with your human resources office and send the matching gift form to:

Alumni Affairs and Development
Cornell University
130 East Seneca St., Suite 400
Ithaca, NY 14850

You can check online at the Matching Gifts Company Search.