CS Scholars
Explore the World of Computer Science!
CS Scholars takes rising high school sophomores on a four-week deep dive into computer science, combining classroom instruction, hands-on projects, faculty lectures, and industry engagement with leading tech companies around the country. This fully funded, merit-based program gives students the opportunity to explore computing with Carnegie Mellon faculty, staff, and researchers, gaining mentorship, developing technical skills, and applying their learning to real-world challenges in computer science.
Program Overview
As a CS 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 mathematics 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 CS 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.
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!
CS 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 CS Scholars program is a four-week residential experience at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Upon admission, students 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 CS 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.
Age and Grade
Age: You must be 16 years of age by June 20, 2026.
Grade: To be eligible for CS Scholars, you must be between your 10th and 11th grade years in high school during the summer of 2026.
Please read the Eligibility and Application Requirements for complete eligibility details.
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
CMU's Pre-College Programs [CS Scholars] was honestly one of the best experiences I've ever had. The classes were super engaging, and the professors and teachers made learning actually fun and exciting...I learned a ton, made lifelong memories, and left feeling more confident and connected than ever. ~ Ren L., CS Scholars 2025
As a parent, I can't speak higly enough about CMU's dedication to its students. My child's growth this summer has been truly remarkable. ~Anonymous (Parent), CS Scholars 2025
Hear more from our students and families here!
Curriculum
Academic
- Programming Course: Learn the core elements of programming and problem-solving in Python, including variables, functions, conditionals, loops, basic data structures (lists and dictionaries), and problem-solving techniques such as algorithmic thinking, top-down design, testing, and debugging.
- Pre-Concepts of Math Course: Strengthen computational skills and dismantle the belief that you “just aren’t a math person.”
- Faculty and Industry Engagement: Engage with CMU faculty and industry leaders to explore the vast and exciting opportunities in computer science.
- Research Exposure: Gain an in-depth introduction to ongoing research projects from faculty and graduate students.
- Writing Workshop: Craft a compelling personal statement with guidance and feedback from instructors and peers, strengthening both writing and storytelling skills.
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
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Group Research Projects: Collaborative projects allow students to apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges.
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Industry Engagement: Field trips to leading tech companies where students connect with professionals, explore emerging topics, and learn about career opportunities.
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Capstone Symposium: On the final day, students publicly present their group projects - showcasing the skills and knowledge they’ve developed throughout the program.
Financial Need
CS Scholars (CSS) 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 CSS 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 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.
Questions?
For questions related to the Pre-College CS 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 Deadline
11:59PM EST
Decision Date
Fixed Admissions
Housing
Resident Only
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for CS 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 10th grade in high school at 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.
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 CS 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.