Carnegie Mellon Computer Science Scholars

Computer Science Scholars (CSS) is a grant-funded, merit-based program that provides rising high school juniors who have historically been excluded from STEM fields the opportunity to explore computer science with Carnegie Mellon faculty, staff, and researchers who are leaders in the field. 

CS Scholars will take a deep dive into the world of computer science through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on research projects, faculty lectures, and industry engagement with leading tech companies around the country. As a CS Scholar you will engage in college-level courses in computer programming and mathematics, as well as weekly seminars that explore college admissions, financial aid, building independence, mental health, emotional wellness, and more. You will be given the opportunity to develop meaningful connections with peers and mentors while being fully immersed in the college experience. A core value of CS Pathways and the CS Scholars program is building an inclusive, anti-racist environment. You will be expected to uphold this value and to participate in discussions about equity within STEM education and society.

Students who complete the program and demonstrate a desire to continue may be invited to return as rising seniors to CMU’s AI Scholars program the following summer. 

• Be at least 16 years old by the program start date.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Students who are registered with DACA are also eligible.
• Be a current sophomore in high school at the time of application submission.
• Have demonstrated financial need. 

• Mid March

• A completed online application
• Unofficial high school transcript
• Standardized test scores (optional)
• Responses to essay prompts (300-500 words):
  • What do you hope to gain from participating in Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs?
  • How would you use computer science to help your community? Community can be as small as the household you live in and as large as the global community - you decide
  • A core value of CS Pathways and the CS Scholars program is building an inclusive and anti-racist environment. This requires applying anti-racism practices as an individual, and contributing to an environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and engagement with persons of all cultures, identities, and backgrounds. How would you contribute to the conversation about building an inclusive and anti-racist environment?
• One counselor recommendation (written by a school counselor or community-based organization advisor)
• One teacher recommendation (written by a teacher in a STEM field)

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• Early April

Computer Science Scholars utilizes a holistic application review and admissions process, looking at the full application and selecting program participants based on a combination of factors. Because we are a fully funded, merit-based program for participants, demonstration of financial need is one of these factors. There is no option for participants to pay out of pocket tuition fees for this program, and documentation of financial need is required for application submission. Documentation includes either tax documents or a completed NACAC Application Fee Waiver signed by your high school guidance department.