Barnard’s Athena Summer Innovation Institute in Collaboration with the Athena Center for Leadership
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. You don’t need to have a business idea (in fact, it’s good if you come in with a clean slate!), but you should be interested in developing ideas for products, services, and experiences that have the potential to challenge the status quo and create social good. You 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.
Students will benefit from coaching and mentorship from our Program Manager, Lead Instructor and Mentor-in-Residence as well participate in workshops on financing, negotiation, branding and more. Students will walk away feeling more confident and more empowered as an innovator, leader, and entrepreneur.
Location(s)
- New York, New York
Schedule
- July 21st - August 8th, 2025
Cost/Compensation
3-Week Athena Summer Innovation Institute:
- Tuition (Residential): $10,171
- Tuition (Commuter): $8,160
Eligibility Requirements
- Young entrepreneurial women at least 14 years of age can apply.
- Completing academically rigorous coursework with strong grades
- Well-rounded: excelling in the classroom and in extra-curriculars, volunteer positions, after school jobs, and community engagement.
- Ready to learn and grow in a community of diverse young women.
Deadline
- April 15
Application or Entry Requirements
- Online Application Form
- Unofficial High School Transcript
- List of Extracurricular Activities
- Recommendations
- 500 Word Statement of Purpose
- Application Fee
Notifications of Decisions
- Decisions are made on a rolling basis starting mid-January. You should receive a decision within 15 business days of the office receiving a completed application.
Financial Aid Details
Our office is dedicated to helping students achieve their dream of a Barnard summer. With rolling admissions, we make it easy for students to begin planning early, and we’re proud to offer a limited amount of need-based financial aid to those who qualify.
To be considered for financial aid, students must submit the required financial aid application and documents along with their Pre-College Program Application. Financial aid applications, like program applications, are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible if they wish to apply for financial aid. After a student is accepted to the program, they will receive a follow up email letting them know whether or not they were awarded aid. Students who receive aid will receive a voucher code to reduce their tuition at the time of registration.
Financial Aid applications are due by February 10th, 2025
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
Barnard was founded in 1889 as the first college in New York City to offer degrees to women. Since then, Barnard College has aimed to provide the highest-quality liberal arts education to promising and high-achieving young women. The College is known for its rigorous academic programs, small class sizes, and collaborative environment dedicated to promoting women's education and leadership. Barnard students have the unique advantage of studying at an independent college which is also part of a major research university, Columbia University, located just across the street.
