Frequently Asked Questions

The Pre-College Academic Year Virtual Workshops are held on Saturdays from 10-12pm ET (unless otherwise specified). Typically, the workshop sessions are 2 hours with the final session being 3 hours, totalling 15 hours across 7 sessions. 

Each online workshop is currently being offered at a rate of $1,900 per offering.

Reduced rates are available for:

• Title 1 School students 
• Columbia affiliates- Valid for any Columbia affiliate, including students whose parents/guardians of CU employees or CU alumnus
• Pre-College past participants- Valid for individuals who have completed a Pre-College Online Workshop in the past 
• Participants of the Live Information Session for the corresponding Workshop

Please inquire about these rates by contacting the pre-college team ([email protected]). Documentation will be required to prove eligibility for reduced rate categories.

We do not offer full scholarships for the Pre-College Academic Year Virtual Workshops.

Rates for our summer in-person pre-college program in partnership with Putney Student Travel are different. Please refer to Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains page for more information.

The Pre-College Academic Year Workshops are held virtually via zoom. 

Computer: A computer capable of running the latest versions of browsers, plug-ins, and up-to-date software, including tools to keep the system free from viruses and spyware.

Internet Connection: A high-speed, wired Ethernet connection that supports streaming and interactive audio and video is required. Weak Wi-Fi can lead to issues such as latency, choppy audio, and connection loss.

Webcam: A webcam is required for daily class participation. If your computer doesn’t have a built-in camera, you can purchase a USB webcam to attach to the top of your monitor.

Headset with Microphone: While many laptops have built-in microphones and speakers, we strongly recommend using headphones or earbuds with a microphone during class sessions to prevent echo or feedback. Listening through speakers may cause disruptive echo for the entire class.

Zoom Installation: Ensure you have administrative permissions to install Zoom and other necessary software on your computer.

Designated Learning Space: Students should select a well-lit, distraction-free space suitable for on-camera interactions with instructors and fellow students.

There is no dress code. We advise students to dress as if they were attending class in-person. 

Yes! To attend an upcoming information session, please visit our Pre-College Information Session Page.

The workshop is intended for highly motivated students with an intellectual curiosity pertaining to climate and sustainability. Students are not expected to be experts on the topics or master all the concepts by the end of the workshop. The workshop will provide them with a foundation that they can build upon throughout their academic career.

In addition, they will have access to the resources, slides, and recordings for up to a year in the courseworks learning management platform. This allows them to reference or review any of the material discussed in the session without the pressure of needing to remember all of the content. 

The individuals teaching these programs are the same Columbia University faculty, researchers, and practitioners who teach in our degree programs and lead cutting edge research and projects in the climate space. Our instructors will teach the same rigorous content with the added flexibility needed by today’s busy students. 

Students engage in the subject matter through discussions, activities, and case studies. Since much of the learning is based on what happens during the workshop, we highly encourage for all students to join synchronously.

We understand that conflicts with other commitments arise and time zones can make it challenging to join the sessions live. If a student would like to discuss an asynchronous learning journey or is planning on missing a session, they can notify the Pre-College team at [email protected].

While it is highly encouraged for students to join the workshop synchronously, we can make accommodations for students living in time zones that are not conducive to the chosen hours of the workshop. Students are able to learn asynchronously through the session recordings and schedule office hours with the instructors outside of workshop time to ask questions.

If a student would like to discuss an asynchronous learning journey, they can notify the Pre-College team at [email protected]. Please note that all times listed are in NYC time (EST).

There is no assigned homework as part of the workshop. There will be recommended readings, videos, and materials that are optional for the students to take a deeper dive into the subject matter. 

While there is no homework, workshops focus on project-based learning and applied solutions. This learning approach allows students to leverage the knowledge and skills that they have gained from the workshop into a final project that can be used to drive lasting change. These final projects may require additional invested time outside of the workshop.  

All workshop materials, readings, and resources will be provided to the participant as part of the workshop. Workshop material will be housed via courseworks learning platform. Students will have access to courseworks up to a year after the conclusion of the workshop. Any additional materials that require purchase are made optional. 

Students who successfully complete the Pre-College Academic Year Workshop will receive an official Certificate of Participation from the Columbia Climate School signed by the dean of the school. Students may use these documents to demonstrate participation in the program. 

The Pre-College Academic Year Virtual Workshops do not offer college credit. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Participation from the Columbia Climate School.

The Columbia Climate School's Pre-College Academic Year Virtual Workshops are distinct from Columbia University's undergraduate school, Columbia College. Before applying to a Climate School pre-college program, students should be aware that their participation will not have any more impact on current or future applications and admissions to Columbia College than any other comparable extracurricular activity.

To complete the registration process, students must be prepared to : 

• Complete the Participant Information Section, including school, grade, and contact information.
• Introduce themselves by sharing something unique that others may not know about them (500 words or less)
• Explain their interest in the workshop (1,000 words or less)
• Describe their favorite subjects in school and why (1,000 words or less)
• Sign a Photo and Video release form signed by the  students if they are 18 or older or guardians on behalf of the student 
• Make the full payment for the workshop

Prerequisites will vary depending on the offering. All offerings are currently only offered in English language.

Columbia University makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you require disability accommodations to participate in this event, please contact us at least 10 days in advance of the start date.

Please review the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion website for more information on the Columbia Climate School’s commitment and important resources.

Full payment for the workshop is due upon registration. A completed registration form and payment are required to secure a place in the workshop.