FAQs | During the Academy & Travel

During the Academy

Will there be adult supervision?

Yes, the Academy is staffed full-time by a Residential Hall Director (RHD) who supervises five program assistants (PAs). The RHD and PAs all reside in the residence halls and provide round-the-clock guidance and supervision to Academy participants.
The RHD and PAs report to the Associate Director and Director of Diversity Programs in Engineering.

Is this a residential program?

Will my child share a room and if so with whom?

Young women and men are roomed separately. Participants are paired in a double room with another same-sex participant in the CATALYST Academy.

Are there washing machines available?

Yes, participants may access washing machines and dryers in the residence halls. There is no cost to use the machines and the Academy provides detergent.

My child does not have medical insurance. Can they still participate?

Medical Insurance is mandatory for participation in the academy.
If participants do not have medical insurance, we suggest visiting the sites below on your own with your parents/guardians or guidance counselor. The sites and companies below are NOT endorsed by the CATALYST Academy nor Cornell University. These are not advertisements or endorsements. Be sure to carefully read their coverage and policies prior to purchasing and/or enrolling in a plan. These types of plans are typically inexpensive and only cover the duration of the camp/program. Participants may also want to check with their state’s department of human/health services for medical benefits for children.
InsureMyTrip Travel Insurance Plans
Travmark Insurance
InsureandGo Travel Insurance

Will my child need money for meals and activities?

Participants are provided with dinner on Sunday, three meals and snacks Monday through Friday and breakfast on Saturday.
Participants may want to bring money for souvenirs, incidentals and meals while traveling.
Materials and supplies for activities are included in the tuition.

How far are the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) or Greyhound Station from Cornell?

The Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport and Greyhound Station are both approximately a ten-minute drive from the Cornell campus.

Who will pick my child up at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport or Greyhound Station?

If flying into Ithaca, a Cornell staff member with a program sign in hand will meet participants at Baggage Claim #1 within 20-30 minutes of the participant’s arrival.
For those taking Greyhound into Ithaca, a Cornell staff member with a program sign will meet participants at the bus terminal within 20-30 minutes of arrival.

Who will pick up my child if s/he flies into an airport other than the Ithaca Airport?

Participants who fly in to Syracuse, Elmira or other area airports are responsible for their own ground transportation to the Cornell University campus in Ithaca.

My child may need to arrive early to campus. How do we make accommodations?

Please let us know in advance and we will help you arrange a room on campus. Otherwise, participants may be responsible for the cost of accommodations due to early arrival.

If you received travel assistance, review the Academy Travel Award Reimbursement Information (PDF) guide.

For questions regarding the application process, check application FAQs.