The Summer Funding Programs provide funding to Columbia College and Columbia Engineering undergraduate students participating in unpaid or low-paid summer internships related to their career pursuits and/or academic studies.
This spring, our In the Know blog features a series of posts designed to help you navigate the application process and put your best foot forward.
The Work Exemption Program (WEP, awarded during Fall and Spring) and Summer Funding Programs can be a critical element of financial support for Columbia College and Columbia Engineering undergraduate students.
As such, these programs have become popular, attracting a higher volume of applications each cycle. As much as we wish we could award grants to all applicants, the application processes are competitive.. Accordingly, we advise you to take the application process seriously and submit a thoughtful application that clearly and concisely addresses all of the prompts in your personal statement. The Committee should fully understand the parameters of the opportunity and how it is integrated with your academic, personal, and professional interests. Carefully consider who should write your Letter of Recommendation. And, of course, it is essential that all application materials are submitted by the deadline.
The selection process is based on a number of factors including meeting all eligibility requirements and the overall strength of the application within the context of that unique applicant pool. Please review all eligibility and application information carefully on our website.
While it is impossible to assess an individual application’s likelihood of receiving funding outside of a formal review alongside other applications for that term, we encourage you to make an appointment or stop by Quick Questions to review your personal statement with a career counselor before submitting your application.
As there is a limited amount of funds to award each year, and every year we see a large increase in applications, there are many deserving students who present compelling applications and do not receive funding. Committee decisions are made after a careful, comprehensive review and discussion of all applicants. Additional reviews cannot be entertained.
We encourage you to make alternate plans in the event you do not receive funding. Having a Plan B is always a good idea!
If your application is not successful, we encourage you to discuss your situation with your Financial Aid Officer. You can contact Financial Aid at ugrad-finaid@columbia.edu. You might also talk with your academic advisor, department administrator, and professors to see if they have any suggestions for funding sources or paid opportunities that meet your career goals. You can also review opportunities listed on the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships site.
You are also welcome to meet with a CCE career counselor if you would like to discuss strategies for your summer plans.
Finally, we invite you to apply again to the programs in the future!
If you are applying this summer, remember that the Summer Funding Programs application for Summer 2025 is still open and closes April 14, 2025 at noon.
Find out more about applying to the Summer Funding Programs at these other In the Know posts: