HYPOTHEkids (HK) Maker Lab is a free, hands-on, project-based engineering design summer program for high school students currently in 10th or 11th grade. Hk Maker Lab includes the first 3-week session of Columbia's Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) plus a 2-week digital media experience. So you get SHAPE at no cost and much more! Hk Maker Lab students will immerse themselves in the fundamental principles of engineering, get hands-on experience in design and innovation techniques, and complete projects under the mentorship of our experienced instructors. We aim to educate and inspire students at an early stage so that they get a strong start to a future STEAM career. The program provides a rich, multi-faceted learning experience while developing a network to support future academic and work endeavors.
Hk Maker Lab contains two phases:
Phase 1 (weeks 1-3): Students complete a course led by Columbia Engineering faculty, such as Biomedical Engineering or Innovation and Design. The course in which a student is placed depends on their preference, with priority given to students who submitted applications earliest.
Phase 2 (weeks 4-5): All Hk Maker Lab students converge to work on final interdisciplinary group projects. The projects involve creating digital media, such as an app or a web site, that addresses a global health disparity.
By successfully completing Hk Maker Lab, you gain the option to enroll in NY Bioforce the following year, which includes a paid summer internship at a prestigious research or health care institution. You also become a lifelong member of Hk's alumni community, which gives you access to special educational and networking events and other academic and career support.
Location(s)
- Columbia University, New York, New York
Schedule
- July 7 - August 8, 2025
Cost/Compensation
- Free
Eligibility Requirements
- This program serves students from backgrounds that have been historically excluded from STEAM fields, including students of color, women, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and first generation college students.
- Students who are currently in 10th or 11th grade (graduating in 2026 or 2027)
- Students who attend a NYC public or charter high school
- Students who can demonstrate educational and/or economic disadvantage:
- Applicant attends a NYC high school that has an Economic Need Index (ENI) of 80% or higher. Click here to check your school's ENI.
- Applicant family income qualifies for Medicaid, SNAP (EBT card), TANF, or other similar government aid OR they live in public housing.
Deadline
- Priority Application Deadline: December 18, 2024
- Regular Application Deadline: January 8, 2025
Application or Entry Requirements
- Completed online HK Maker Lab application
- Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview
- Accepted students will then be asked to complete Columbia’s SHAPE application.
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
HYPOTHEkids is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Design, Math) education and youth development non-profit organization founded in 2013 that supports K-12 underrepresented students from low-income communities across New York City. Its mission is to provide students with hands-on STEAM education and internship experiences to support the next generation of scientists and engineers.
