Summer Programs

Bard NYC’s summer Leadership for Change program is tailored for undergraduate students, with a specific emphasis on how leaders positively impact society and organizations, and offers a transformative experience designed to empower and inspire. This eight-week program combines hands-on learning opportunities with rigorous academic coursework, aimed at developing essential leadership skills such as communication, critical thinking, effective decision-making, and strategic vision. Using NYC as a learning resource, participants engage in discussions led by prominent local and industry leaders, gaining valuable insights into overcoming challenges and leveraging strengths in leadership roles. In addition, the program incorporates a career exploration component where students receive guidance from career professional and experienced leaders, fostering personal growth and professional development. Through a collaborative project with other participants, students learn to navigate complexities in leadership, build confidence in decision-making, and understand the dynamics of teamwork. By fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diverse perspectives, the program aims to equip college students with the skills and confidence necessary to make meaningful contributions in their respective fields and society in general.

The programs is built around three elements: 

Coursework: students take a 3-credit mandatory course on Ethical Leadership and choose one additional 3-credit course: 

• Women and Leadership;
• Basics of Project Management.

Practical Experience: Students engage with local and industry leaders through a series of on-site workshops, obtaining a deeper understanding of the challenges leaders face and the skills they need to be able to effect positive change in business and government. In addition, groups of students collaborate on a project aimed at applying their critical thinking in specific circumstances, selecting the appropriate communication methods to interface with internal and external stakeholders, and employing their strategic vision in designing innovative solutions.  

Career exploration workshops: Utilizing different coaching methods, students will be able to explore their values, identify areas of improvement, and work towards building a comprehensive portfolio of soft skills like dependability, empathy, and effective communication.

Bard NYC’s summer fashion program is designed for undergraduate students and offers an immersive and enriching experience that blends creativity, societal awareness, and industry insights. In addition to providing an overview of the fashion industry and its history, this eight-week program allows students to understand the socioeconomic assumptions underpinning the fashion industry and its impact on society. Students have the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and faculty who bring a wealth of knowledge from diverse areas within the fashion world. Central to the program are job shadowing opportunities, where students observe professionals in their daily roles, gaining first hand insights into the industry. Additionally, field trips to various sites in NYC, one of the fashion capitals of the world, offer first hand exposure to the inner workings of the fashion business and valuable networking opportunities. By the end of the program, students not only acquire deeper industry knowledge but also develop a deeper appreciation for the cultural and social dimensions of fashion.

The programs is built around three elements: 

Coursework: students enroll in two 3-credit courses:

• History of Fashion in NYC;
• Fashion, Culture, and Society

Practical Experience: Students engage with leaders in the fashion industry through a series of on-site workshops, obtaining a deeper understanding of current issues in fashion and the importance of socioeconomic considerations in formulating successful business models. In addition, students are offered job shadowing opportunities, observing professionals in their daily roles with the aim of enhancing student understanding of the complexities of the fashion world and finding creative solutions in challenging circumstances.  

Career exploration workshops: Utilizing different coaching methods, students will be able to explore their values, identify areas of improvement, and work towards building a comprehensive portfolio of soft skills like dependability, empathy, and effective communication.

Bard NYC’s summer internship program is structured to immerse students in real-world professional environments related to their field of study, providing hands-on experience and exposure to industry practices. While students experience what it means to work in their selected field, they also take courses that help them navigate theory and practice and participate in career exploration workshops. Students enroll in a mandatory core seminar on the Future of Work and an elective course in their field. The Core Seminar presents an opportunity for students to negotiate their expectations and the reality of working in their selected field, reflect on their work experience, and share their thoughts with peers. Using experiential learning methods, instructors help students get a deeper understanding of what work entails and what skills are needed to succeed.

The programs is built around three elements: 

Coursework: Students enroll in the required core seminar and choose an additional 3-credit course from among summer course offerings. Summer course offerings will be posted at the start of the spring 2025 semester. 

Practical Experience: Just like the semester program, students in the summer internship program intern for 15–20 hours per week at professional organizations across a variety of industries throughout New York City. Students work closely with mentors at their host organization gaining exposure to the day-to-day operations of the organization, while building skills like communication, time management, and critical thinking. Our summer internships offer a valuable opportunity for students to explore a career path, clarify their career goals, and build a competitive edge in the job market. 

Career exploration workshops: Summer career workshops complement on-the-job learning, equipping students with essential skills for their future job search including resume and cover letter writing, building a LinkedIn profile, and navigating the job market.