WELCOME TO VAUGHN’S SUMMER 2026 PROGRAMS
Explore Futureproof Career Possibilities in STEM
For summer memories that will last a lifetime, high school students may enroll in one of these STEM-focused programs that pave the way to exciting, in-demand, futureproof careers. Earn college credit while you learn about engineering, gain valuable industry know-how and HAVE FUN with peers. Choose a program that interests you, ranging from computer engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drone operation and more.
Summer Engineering Experience Program (SEE-STEM)
July 6 - August 7LEARN MORE about Summer Engineering Experience Program (SEE-STEM)
Computer Engineering Summer Academy Program
July 13 - July 24LEARN MORE about Computer Engineering Summer Academy Program
Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)
July 14 - August 8LEARN MORE about Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)
Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) Summer Academy
July 13 - August 7LEARN MORE about Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) Summer Academy
Upward Bound
First-generation and underrepresented students can benefit from this federally funded program Vaughn offers. It is packed with instruction, tutoring and counseling in a variety of subjects including mathematics, science and literacy, as well as college entrance preparation. Only available to students from specific high schools - see eligibility section for details.Program Description
Upward Bound (UB) is a federally funded U.S. Department of Education TRIO program that helps low-income and first-generation community youth achieve college and career success by providing a year-round comprehensive system of support including tutoring, college entrance examination preparation, college and financial aid application assistance, and cultural field trips. The program is FREE to eligible students.
Where?
Vaughn College campus and Zoom
When?
July 13 through August 14. Monday through Friday. (In-person: Mondays and Tuesdays; Virtual: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays. (Times may vary per class.)
Who Is Eligible?
- Students attending grades 9, 10, 11 or 12 at Grover Cleveland High School, August Martin High School, William Cullen Bryant High School and John Bowne High School.
- First-generation students and/or low-income. The definition used to determine first-generation is when the student’s parents or guardians have NOT obtained a bachelor’s degree in the United States. Low income is defined as family taxable income that qualifies under federal TRIO guidelines.
How To Apply and By When?
For information on the Upward Bound program, visit ubvaughn.org or contact Vaughn’s Upward Bound team at .
Summer Engineering Experience Program (SEE-STEM)
Each accepted applicant will learn how to be a Vaughn College student from both an academic and social perspective, as well as have the chance to enroll in IBM courses that lead to earning AI and cybersecurity certificates.Program Description
This five-week residential program will prepare students for college life, both academically and socially, and give them a chance to explore a major in engineering. Students can enroll in IBM courses for AI and cybersecurity certificates, as well as first semester college courses that include English Literature, Composition and Computer Aided Design, earning them college credits. Please note that this program is free for eligible students.
The first 20 applicants will receive free room in Vaughn’s residence hall for five weeks.
Where?
Vaughn College campus
When?
July 6 through August 7, 2026
Who Is Eligible?
- Graduating high school seniors, community college transfers and incoming Vaughn freshmen
- Must hold a GPA of 2.75 or better and demonstrate academic potential
- Those who are considering pursuing any bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology
How To Apply and By When?
- To complete an application, please visit 2026 SEE-STEM Summer Engineering Experience
- Then email your college and/or high school transcript
- All applications must be submitted by April 15, 2026
Computer Engineering Summer Academy Program
In this program, students will have the opportunity to learn basic and intermediate skills and concepts behind computer engineering, including blockchain technology, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.Program Description
Check out the topics covered each week of the three-week program, which begins with the basics of blockchain, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity and then progresses to the intermediate level where students can apply what they’ve learned to design and programming projects.
Where?
The basic training can be conducted in hybrid mode (i.e., students may be in-person or online), but the intermediate training will require all students to attend in person.
When?
This three-week program will run from July 13 through August 31, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Who Is Eligible?
All are welcome to experience the computer engineering/cybersecurity and artificial intelligence academy. High school sophomores, juniors and seniors encouraged.
How To Apply and By When?
Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)
Thanks to the New York State Department of Education, Vaughn College is able to provide academic opportunities and support to students from under-resourced communities.Program Description
The HEOP program is designed to help educationally and economically disadvantaged students in New York State receive a college education. The summer program serves to academically and socially orient incoming students. The academic emphasis is to strengthen English and math skills. Its goal is to facilitate the transition into college-level study.
Where?
Vaughn College campus
When?
July 13 through August 6
(9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; and 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays)
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for HEOP, students must:
- Be a New York State resident for at least one year prior to enrolling in a post-secondary institution
- Be a first-time student entering any college or university
- Are graduates of an approved high school or have obtained a high school equivalency diploma or its equivalent
- Meet the economic guidelines established by the New York State Department of Education (NYSED)
How To Apply and By When?
Students must apply and be accepted to Vaughn and HEOP before they can enroll in the summer program. Here’s how to apply:
- Complete the Vaughn College Application for Admission
- Mark “HEOP” on the admissions application
- Complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and list Vaughn College
- Complete the Accuplacer exam
- Provide previous year’s tax return
Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) Summer Academy
Opportunities to attend college and participate in math, science, technology and health-related fields are available to students from under-resourced communities through the STEP Academy.Program Description
The program helps to increase the number of historically underrepresented and under-resourced students enter college and participate in math, science, technology and health-related fields. Students in the STEP Academy will have the opportunity to take academic and enrichment classes in these fields and attend various field trips.
Where?
Vaughn College campus and Zoom.
When?
July 13 through August 7, Monday through Thursday. (Virtual: Monday and Tuesday; In-Person: Wednesday and Thursday (Times may vary per class.)
Who Is Eligible?
- The program is limited to students who are entering grades 7 to 12
- Economically disadvantaged
- Note that there are New York eligibility requirements associated with the program
How To Apply and By When?
Application deadline: June 1, 2026
For information about the STEP program, contact the STEP team at .
97% of Vaughn grads 77% in their field—are employed or continue their education within one year*
RANKED #1
in upward mobility nationwide moving students from the bottom 40% to the top 40% in income†
in upward mobility nationwide moving students from the bottom 40% to the top 40% in income†
RANKED IN TOP 4% of colleges with highest ROI for students from under-resourced communities**
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ENGINEERING PROGRAMS
ENGINEERING PROGRAMS
The Vaughn Guarantee Not employed within one year? Vaughn will Reimburse a year's worth of federal Direct student loan payments. ††
16:1 Student-Faculty Small class sizes with individualized attention from faculty