Clarkson University Project Challenge 2026

Project Challenge, a popular program for North Country high school students offered by Clarkson University during the winter months, will once again be held on our Potsdam, NY campus starting in mid-January 2026.

The program provides local students in grades 9–12 with the opportunity to take part in classes not typically offered at their high schools, explore potential career and academic interests, and develop new skills in an engaging, hands-on learning environment.

Project Challenge

Five-week courses will be taught by Clarkson University faculty and administrators on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning in mid-January. The program is administered by The Clarkson School, Clarkson’s early entrance program for talented high school students who have typically completed their junior year and are ready to begin college-level studies.  The total cost for each course is $150.00.  See the Registration Information below.

Course Dates:

Classes will meet on January 17, 24, 31, and February 7 and 14, with a snow date of February 21.

• The first and last classes (January 17 and February 14) will be held in person on the Potsdam campus.
• The three middle sessions (January 24, January 31, and February 7) will be held remotely via Zoom. Zoom links for each course will be sent separately to registered students.
• A snow date of February 21 is reserved in case of cancellation due to inclement weather.

Registration Information:

To register, please contact your high school guidance counselor to complete the registration process. Home-schooled or self-paying students may register online. The registration deadline is Friday, January 9, 2026. Please note that classes fill quickly — most are limited to 20 students. Click on the course of interest below to view its description and complete the registration form.