Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC)

Two students doing hands-on activity in computer science design work

Accelerate your STEM skills and dive deeper into the science behind urban infrastructure with Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC).

ieSoSC is a follow-up to the Science of Smart Cities program for middle school students; it is designed for high school students to take their skills in computer science, engineering and technology to a new level and gain hands-on experience designing prototypes for smart city solutions.

ieSoSC is a 5-week summer program that is taught by NYU faculty and students at the Tandon School of Engineering. The program incorporates concepts and processes related to entrepreneurship and design thinking. During the second half of the program, participants will form small teams and apply their new skills and knowledge to ideate, prototype and present a device or app that uses an internet of things approach to a smart cities design challenge. Each team will have a small budget for materials and equipment, and participants will receive public presentation training using improvisation techniques through a partnership with Irondale Theater.

The program culminates for each team in a public presentation at which engineers, urban planners, STEM experts, family and the general public hear from participants about their idea, prototype, and how it is intended to be applied to solve a real world problem or challenge.

ieSoSC is offered as a tuition-free program with funding support from National Grid.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants live in New York City and are currently enrolled in the 8th, 9th, or 10th grade. Students should have a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in STEM and be able to participate for the full duration of the 5-week program.

To apply, students must submit an online application form, which includes questions about their academic history as well as two short essay responses.

Student Life

ieSoSC students attend classes taught by NYU faculty and graduate students Monday-Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Classes are located at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering in Downtown Brooklyn.

Classes are highly-interactive and hands-on, offering students the experience to work with materials, tools, and software programs that develop their skills in research, design, and engineering.

Outside of class, students can take advantage of on-campus activities organized by NYU for our summer high school students, as well as trips to NYC destinations like Broadway, Yankee Stadium, and museums. Students can also participate in NYU’s College 101 workshop series which is designed to help high schoolers navigate the college admissions process.

To participate, students must be able to commit to the full 5-week program and be able to get to and from campus each day. Snacks and lunch are not provided, so students should bring their own food (or money to purchase food).