AI Scholars
Your Summer, Your AI Journey!
Imagine a summer exploring artificial intelligence alongside passionate peers, guided by Carnegie Mellon’s leading faculty. AI Scholars is a fully funded, merit-based program for rising high school seniors to develop real-world skills, gain mentorship, and take the first step toward your future in tech. During this four-week immersive program, scholars will engage in classroom instruction, research projects, faculty lectures, and industry experiences, gaining real-world experience while exploring one of today’s most exciting fields.
Program Overview
As an AI Scholar, you will dive into college-level courses and weekly college prep seminars covering admissions, financial aid, and social-emotional wellbeing. Through project-based learning, you’ll explore computing and AI concepts while collaborating on hands-on group projects that tackle real-world challenges and culminate in a final symposium presentation. You’ll also connect with industry leaders, gain mentorship from faculty, and build lasting relationships with peers all while experiencing life on a college campus. A core value of the AI Scholars program is a commitment to an inclusive, equitable community where all participants feel valued and supported; scholars are expected to uphold this value and actively contribute to a culture of respect and belonging.
AI Scholars is a fully funded, merit-based program that brings together students from across the country to learn directly from CMU faculty, staff, and researchers. Thanks to generous support from foundations, corporations, sponsors, and donors, all program costs are covered, including*:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Meal plans
- Select program-related field trips and special events
*Limited travel assistance is available for families facing transportation barriers.
Program Schedule & Commitment
The 2026 AI Scholars program is a four-week residential experience at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Upon admission, you are required to reside in the CMU dorms for the full length of the program. Full program participation is required; students may not miss classes, lectures, or project time for other programs or obligations. Because of the immersive, hands-on nature of AI Scholars, participation in any concurrent summer program - virtual or in-person - is not permitted. Asynchronous online courses may be considered only with prior approval from program directors.
Core classes, guest lectures, group projects, workshops, and field trips are held Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.* Evenings may include office hours, homework, group study, and social activities. Weekends are free for field trips, on-campus clubs, and exploring the city of Pittsburgh!
*Class times may vary but typically end between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily.
Curriculum
Academic
- Virtual Pre-Program Python Course: A virtual course held approximately one month before arrival combines synchronous and asynchronous components to prepare students for the on-campus experience. Prior coding experience is not required. Instructor support will be available for all participants.
- Core AI Curriculum: Taught by Carnegie Mellon faculty, the core AI Scholars curriculum introduces foundational computing and artificial intelligence concepts.
- Research Exposure: Students gain an in-depth introduction to ongoing research projects led by CMU faculty and graduate students.
- Writing Workshop: Focused on college application and essay preparation, helping students strengthen their writing and storytelling skills. All students leave the program with a completed college application essay that has been workshopped by their instructor and peers.
Personal Growth
- Career and Personal Development: Interactive discussions with experts designed to help students explore academic and career pathways.
- Mentorship: Group mentoring with CMU faculty and graduate students fosters guidance and support.
- College and Beyond: Seminars on academic readiness, college success, and post-graduate planning during the program and beyond its completion.
- Community Building: Social and team-based activities designed to create lasting connections among peers.
Hands-on Experience
- Group Research Projects: Collaborative projects allow students to apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges.
- Industry Engagement: Field trips to leading tech companies where students connect with professionals, explore emerging topics, and learn about career opportunities.
- Capstone Symposium: On the final day, students publicly present their group projects - showcasing the skills and knowledge they’ve developed throughout the program.
Testimonials
My experience at Carnegie Mellon Pre College Programs was truly life-changing. Something I'll never forget. The program not only challenged me academically but also provided valuable learning experiences and chances for personal development fueling my interest in computer science and AI. Collaborating on projects, with encouraging classmates and professors helped me grow both professionally and personally. The lively campus atmosphere and strong sense of belonging made my time incredibly fulfilling and motivating solidifying my decision to pursue computer science at CMU for my studies. ~ Eli T., AI Scholars 2024
I’m blown away… this program has been an amazing experience for Vincent and it’s been a wonderful growth to see in him. He came back curious and limitless; daring to attempt impossible things and has not stopped asking “what if … ?” instead of stating “No, because….” ~ Anonymous (Parent), AI Scholars 2023
Hear more from our students and families here!
Age and Grade
Age: You must be 16 years of age by June 20, 2026.
Grade: To be eligible for AI Scholars, you must be between your 11th and 12th grade years in high school during the summer of 2026.
Please read the Eligibility and Application Requirements for complete eligibility details.
Financial Need
AI Scholars (AIS) utilizes a holistic application review and admissions process, looking at the full application and selecting program participants based on a combination of factors. Because participants are fully funded, 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. Examples of demonstrated financial need can be found here.
Please reach out to the AIS Program Director, Natalie Hatcher, with questions.
All applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be considered.
Is this program only for students with financial need?
The AI Scholars program is intended to create opportunities for students who lack access and/or resources at home, at school, or in their communities. This can mean financial need, it can mean a lack of computer science education in your school district or community, or lack of access to affordable/stable internet or computing devices. We recognize that students may not meet the current financial need requirements, but may still lack access or opportunity for other reasons. If any of this resonates with your experience, we strongly encourage you to apply. If you are still unsure if this program is for you, please reach out to Natalie Hatcher at nhatcher@andrew.cmu.edu.
Questions?
For questions related to the Pre-College AI Scholars curriculum, contact Program Director Natalie Hatcher.
Learn more through our recorded presentations and FAQ events.
Statement of Assurance
Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, family status, marital status, parental status, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.
The university’s Discriminatory and Sexual Misconduct Policy contains grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of Complaints alleging any action which would be prohibited by this Policy.
Inquiries concerning the application of and compliance with this statement should be directed to the Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone 412-268-7125.
Application Details
Application Deadline
11:59PM EST
Decision Date
Fixed Admissions
Housing
Resident Only
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for AI Scholars, students must:
- Be at least 16 years old by the program start date.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a current U.S. green card.
- Be in 11th grade in high school at time of application submission.
Selection Criteria
Students applying for AI Scholars should demonstrate a strong interest in exploring AI, though no coding experience is necessary.
All eligible students are welcome to apply, and we strongly encourage applications from students who are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) on the basis of, but not limited by:
- Being raised in a home where English was a second language
- Currently attending a high school with historically low rates of admittance to top-tier institutions
- Identifying as a first-generation college students (parent(s) did not complete a bachelor’s degree)
- Socioeconomic status, which may be indicated by eligibility for public assistance programs or free/reduced lunch
Application Requirements
The complete application for AI Scholars will consist of the following:
- Online application
- Unofficial high school transcript
- Standardized test scores (optional): Although the submission of standardized test scores is not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide results from at least one assessment (ex: SAT, PSAT, ACT, AP examinations, or ACT Aspire). Including test scores gives us a fuller picture of your academic preparation and supports our holistic review of your application.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation:
- One teacher recommendation (preferably written by a teacher in a STEM field)
- One additional recommendation written by a school counselor, community-based organization advisor, or other adult mentor or leader who can speak to your readiness for the program. (This person should NOT be a relative or friend.)
- Completion of essay prompts indicated in the application.
Application Essay Prompts
A response to the following essay prompt is required (300-500 words):
- What do you hope to gain from participating in Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs?
In addition, applicants are required to respond to additional essay prompts that will be provided in the online application.