CS Scholars
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.
Program Overview
CS Scholars (CSS), a CS Pathways initiative, is a four-week immersive experience on the CMU campus for rising high school juniors. This fully funded, merit-based program brings students together from around the country to explore computer science with Carnegie Mellon faculty, staff, and researchers who are leaders in the field. As a fully funded program, CS Scholars program costs are covered by CS Pathways through generous support from foundations, corporations, sponsors, and donors. Covered costs include tuition, housing, meal plans, and program related field trips and special events. Travel assistance may be requested by families for whom transportation costs to and from CMU would provide a significant barrier to attendance.
As a CS Scholar, you will engage in college-level courses, as well as weekly college prep and readiness seminars focused on college admissions, financial aid, social emotional wellbeing, and more. You'll 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 and beyond.
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!
Academic Information
CS Scholars will learn the core elements of programming and problem solving in Python. This will include algorithmic components (variables, functions, conditionals, and loops), basic data structures (lists and dictionaries), and problem-solving techniques (algorithmic thinking, top-down design, testing, and debugging). Scholars will also strengthen their computational skills in a pre-concepts of math course designed to dismantle the belief that you “just aren’t a math person.” You will participate in a hands-on group project that you will present to your peers and instructors at the end of the program. This project will apply your newly acquired skills to real-world challenges that use computer science for the betterment of humanity. In addition, you will engage with CMU faculty and industry leaders to learn about the vast and exciting opportunities in the field of computer science.
The 2025 summer program is a four-week residential experience on the Carnegie Mellon campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Upon admission, you are required to participate for the full length of the four-week program dates. Admitted students are expected to give their full commitment to CS Scholars while in attendance - you will not be permitted to miss classes or schedule obligations for other (virtual) programs. If you are applying to multiple programs this summer, please take this expectation into consideration.
Core classes, guest lectures, group projects, workshops, and academic tours and field trips are held Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.* Evenings may consist of office hours, homework, group study, and social time. Weekends are yours to take part in field trips, participate in on campus clubs, and to explore the rich culture of Pittsburgh!
*Class times may vary day to day, but typically end between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Testimonials
I can't speak more positively about our son's experience at Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College [CS Scholars] Program! It was a positive life-changing experience for him, and his first experience of what college life is like. The structure of the entire program, including weekend activities, was extremely well-planned. Thank you! ~ Catherine E. (Parent), CS Scholars 2023
I was so taken aback by the unexpected, non-academic lessons that I learned from my professors, directors, and peers and, now that I’m back, I could see those changes within me. I’m more confident with my voice, speaking with strangers, and in my ability to be independent...I always thought people were exaggerating when they said the program was the best four weeks of their life but now I can gladly say the same! ~ Xin L., CS Scholars 2024
Hear more from our students and families here!
Age and Grade
Age: You must be 16 years of age by June 21, 2025.
Grade: To be eligible for CS Scholars, you must be between your 10th and 11th grade years in high school during the summer of 2025.
Please read the Eligibility and Application Requirements for complete eligibility details.
Questions?
For questions related to the Pre-College CS Scholars curriculum, contact Program Director Natalie Hatcher.
Curriculum
Education
- Core CSS programming and math curriculum taught by CMU faculty.
- In-depth introduction to ongoing research projects from faculty and graduate students.
- Students will participate in writing workshops with a focus on personal statements and college application preparation.
Personal Growth
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Career and personal development discussions led by experts.
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Group mentoring from CMU faculty and graduate students.
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Seminars in academic readiness and post graduate planning.
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Peer socialization.
Hands-on Experience
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Group research projects led by CMU faculty, staff, and graduate students.
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Field trip to CS industry leaders where students are introduced to people, topics, and career opportunities.
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Capstone group presentations that showcase skills developed in the classroom will be presented publicly at the CSS closing symposium on the final day of the program.
Financial Need
CS 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.
Further information is below, but please feel free to reach out with questions to Natalie Hatcher, CSS Program Director.
Is this program only for students with financial need?
The CS 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.
Examples of demonstrated financial need
Students in any of the below categories are considered to demonstrate financial need:
- Students who have received or are eligible to receive an ACT or SAT testing fee waiver.
- Students who are enrolled in or eligible to participate in the Federal Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program (FRPL).
- Students whose family income falls within the Income Eligibility Guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
- Students who are enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families (e.g., TRIO programs such as Upward Bound).
- Students whose family receives public assistance.
- Students who live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or are homeless.
- Students who are a ward of the state or an orphan.
- Students who can provide a supporting statement from a school official, college access counselor, financial aid officer, or community leader.
All applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be considered.
Can you do Early Decision?
No. Applications with CS Scholars as a first, second, and/or third choice selection CANNOT be considered for Early Decision or on rolling admission.
Your application decision for CS Scholars will be posted on your application portal on April 4.
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Eligibility and Application Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for CS Scholars, students must:
- Be 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 sophomore in high school at the time of application submission.
Selection Criteria
Students applying for CS Scholars should demonstrate a strong interest in exploring computer science, though no coding experience is necessary.
We strongly encourage students from the following backgrounds to apply:
- Underrepresented in STEM fields.
- Low socioeconomic status, which may be indicated by eligibility for public assistance programs or free/reduced lunch.
- Raised in a home where English was a second language.
- Future first generation college students (you’ll be the first in your home to obtain a bachelor’s degree).
- From families with an absence of STEM degrees.
- Currently attending a high school with historically low rates of admittance to top-tier institutions.
Application Requirements
The complete application for CS Scholars will consist of the following:
- Online application
- Unofficial high school transcript
- Standardized test scores (optional)
- Responses to essay prompts
- 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.)
Application Essay Prompts
A response to the following essay prompt is required (300-500 words):
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What do you hope to gain from participating in Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs?
In addition, applicants are required to respond to two additional essay prompts that will be provided in the online application.