Carnegie Mellon Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)

For over twenty years, the Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) program has engaged students in a rigorous curriculum taught by faculty and staff who are deeply committed to student success. Led by the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion, SAMS allows students to develop a deeper understanding of STEM via traditional classroom instruction, through hands-on projects, and sustained engagement with world-renowned faculty and skilled staff mentors. In addition to their academic experiences, students also have the opportunity to collaborate and develop meaningful relationships with peers from across the country.

​

Through SAMS and other outreach initiatives, the university:

• Develops a diverse and supportive community of STEM Scholars interested in attending top-tier universities.
• Strengthens students’ commitment to pursuing STEM-related disciplines.
• Broadens students understanding and access to opportunities made available through study in STEM.
• Equips students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be successful STEM scholars.

​

The Summer Academy for Math and Science will consist of 3 parts:

​

PART 1: Part one of the SAMS program occurs prior to the start of the residential program. This is a required virtual Jumpstart for participants, focusing on skill-building that is needed for the in-person program. We will be connecting virtually for portions of both June 15 & June 16, 2026, however students will not be needed for full days. 

​

PART 2: Part two of the SAMS program is a 6-week, in-person, Pre-College program. SAMS Scholars will be in courses and meetings for full days during the time they are here. The academic portion of the program will conclude with the research symposium on the final Friday of the program. Scholars are responsible for their travel to and from Pittsburgh. 

​

PART 3: Part three of the SAMS program involves Sustaining Connections & Engagement Experiences. These connections will be ongoing and virtual.

• Students will have the opportunity to participate in on-going virtual enrichment sessions, such as FAFSA, college prep, budgeting, and info sessions on additional development opportunities. Families and caregivers will be invited to attend relevant sessions.
• Students will interact with current Carnegie Mellon community members to explore STEM majors and opportunities at CMU.

​

SAMS is a fully funded, merit-based program. There is no cost for scholars to participate beyond their travel to and from Pittsburgh, PA. We expect all SAMS Scholars to participate fully for the duration of the program. We understand that students may be applying to multiple summer opportunities, however if selected for SAMS, scholars will not be permitted to participate in any other programs (virtual or in person) if program dates conflict. If you have any questions, please reach out to cmu-sams@andrew.cmu.edu.

• Be at least 16 years old by the program start date.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Be in 11th grade in high school at the time of application submission.
• Demonstrate financial need

• February 1, 2026

• Online application
• Unofficial high school transcript
• Standardized test scores (optional)
• Two (2) letters of recommendation (one must be from a current math instructor)
• An essay is required for the following prompt (300-500 words):
  • What do you hope to gain from participating in Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs?
• Applicants must respond to one of the below SAMS-specific essay prompts (no more than 1000 words):
  • Personal Growth - Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge in a math or science class. How did you address it and what did you learn about your own persistence and problem solving skills?
  • Community Impact & Innovation - As a STEM scholar, think about a problem in a community you care about. How can you use STEM-based solutions to address or improve the situation?

• April 15, 2026