Cornell’s One Course Summer Institute July 7–24

Cornell College is gearing up to host the One Course Summer Institute (OCSI), July 7–24, inviting high school students to immerse themselves in a class of their choice and earn college credit. 

This year, Cornell professors will be offering seven compelling courses. 

“We’re excited to see what the next class of OCSI scholars will do in these fascinating courses. We worked with our Cornell professors to plan several different courses so students could take what interests them. These classes will no doubt challenge and inspire,” said OCSI organizer and Lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology Frannie Malone.

Online registration is open now, and rising juniors or seniors by June 2024 or 2024 high school graduates are eligible for the 2.5-week program. Students will learn alongside peers from across the country, discover the distinctive One Course At A Time schedule, and explore what life is like on our Hilltop campus.

Students will also:

  • Earn 3 college credit hours (can be applied to Cornell or another college)
  • Earn a $4,000 Cornell scholarship, awarded $1,000 annually 
  • Enjoy several fun events in Mount Vernon and eastern Iowa
  • Participate in college prep workshops
  • Live on campus and get a feel for a residence hall and Hilltop dining

Cornell Associate Professor of Psychology Steven Neese teaches courses in neuroscience during the academic year and has taught the OCSI course 17 Day Later: Zombies, Brains, and Basic Neuroscience since the summer of 2019. The course focuses on using Hollywood “slow zombies” to understand the living brain. By the end of the program, students say, “I can do this!”

“Students learn all about how to organize notes for college-level work, how to integrate readings and data from class activities to develop critical thinking skills, and also learn how to balance work and fun on a college campus,” Neese said. “Overall, students will learn that, with a little bit of adjustment, college success can be theirs!”

Full list of classes:

  • 17 Days Later: Zombies, Brains, and Basic Neuroscience
  • Programming Apps in Python
  • Experimental Drawing: Making a Mark
  • Life Inspires Art: Writer’s Workshop
  • Humans & Nature, A Love Story
  • Chemistry and the Kitchen: Should We Be Wearing Goggles?
  • Explorations in Engineering

Registration for OCSI is open through June 17, 2024.

Questions about the registration process? Please contact Frannie Malone at fmalone@cornellcollege.edu.


The top photo shows a student from OCSI 2021. The photo is by Megan Amr.