Summer Academy for Math and Science
Providing opportunities for students from underrepresented communities to explore STEM-related fields.
Program Overview
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:
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Develops a diverse and supportive community of STEM Scholars interested in attending top-tier universities.
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Strengthens students’ commitment to pursuing STEM-related disciplines.
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Broadens students understanding and access to opportunities made available through study in STEM.
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Equips students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be successful STEM scholars.
Curriculum
The Summer Academy for Math and Science will consist of 2 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 16 & June 17, 2025, however students will not be needed for full days.
PART 2: Part two of the SAMS program will be 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 symposium on the final Friday of the program.
SAMS is a fully funded, merit-based program. There is no cost for scholars to participate. 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.
Academic Experience
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Students will complete Quantitative and Computational Skill seminars that compose the academic core:
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Math
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Science
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STEM-related research project that is advised by a STEM faculty and/or graduate student
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Students will participate in weekly writing workshops with a focus on college application preparation.
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Students will successfully complete “Student to Scholar,” which is a credit-bearing course designed to help students better understand who they are, who they want to be, and learn what it takes to get there. This research-based course assists students as they prepare for their transition from high school to college.
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Students will attend workshops led by alumni, students, university leaders, and local industry leaders. Topics include STEM-related research, career exploration, and presentations on college admission and financial aid.
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Students will meet in mentoring small groups facilitated by the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion.
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Students will participate in and learn more about collaborative learning through group tutoring and academic coaching sessions offered through the Student Academic Success Center.
SAMS Symposium
- SAMS culminates with the day-long Symposium which includes a Closing Awards Ceremony and STEM project student presentations. Families and caregivers are welcome to attend either in person or via livestream.
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.
A Glimpse into Project Courses…
Project: Investigations into the Versatile Applications of Polymer Chemistry
Students get hands-on experience with polymerization processes for various application designs. Safe lab practices and behavior is emphasized.
Chris Birch, Ph.D. candidate
Project: Exploring the Rhythms Behind Immunity
The objective of this project is to familiarize students with the methods of measuring gene expression in the field of Biology and to deepen their understanding of changes in gene expression with respect to time.
Sarah Oladejo, Ph.D. candidate
Course Highlights
Biology
Biology class in SAMS offers a series of experiments allowing students to explore areas of modern research in biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology. Techniques of DNA isolation (for applications in forensic science), protein analysis (from blood diseases), and Agarose Gel Electrophoresis (by transforming glow-in-the-dark bacteria from jellyfish) substantiates the course’s goal of helping students decide what they may want to study in college.
Dr. Carrie Doonan, Teaching Professor and Director of Undergraduate Laboratories, Biology
From Student to Scholar: College Transition Course
Who are you? What do you want to be in college and beyond? In 2024, SAMS introduced a college credit course grounded in these questions.
The From Student to Scholar: College Transition Course, is based on research in psychology, behavioral decision-making, and learning science. Through readings, podcasts, in-class lectures and discussions, students learn about theories of the self, including identity development, self-determination, self-regulated learning, and self-authorship. Each of these theories aligns with the key goals of the class: to better understand who you are, decide who you want to be, and learn what it takes to get there. Together, students and course instructor, Dr. Kevin Jarbo, Assistant Professor of Social and Decision Sciences, navigate the question: “How do I get from the student I am today to the scholar I’m going to be in the future?"
Chemistry
The SAMS Chemistry course overviews keystone analytical techniques used in research labs around the world: spectroscopy, chromatography, titrations, and more. It utilizes modern analytical instruments - the UV-Visible and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and the High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph - to collect and analyze real data. By learning the theoretical underpinning of these techniques, students leave this course understanding what the quantum world can teach us about the world we see and touch. Students gain an understanding of the theory and the process of experimental design, improve problem solving and analytical skills, as well as technical communication skills.
Dr. Gizelle Sherwood, Teaching Professor and Director of Undergraduate Laboratories, Chemistry
Financial Need
Summer Academy for Math & Science 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 financial documentation 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 to the SAMS Directors with questions.
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.
Questions?
Please reach out to the SAMS team with additional SAMS questions.
Application Details
In-Person Program Length |
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Jun. 21 to |
Housing Options |
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Resident Only |
Application Dates
Virtual Jumpstart¹ |
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Jun. 16 & 17 |
Preferred Deadline² |
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Final Deadline |
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Decision Notification On |
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¹ Jumpstart participation is required. SAMS Scholars will be connecting virtually for portions of both June 16 & June 17, 2025, however students will not be needed for full days.
² SAMS is a highly competitive pre-college program. We encourage applicants to apply by the preferred deadline, signifying your interest in our program and commitment to the application process. Your decision will still be released on April 4.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the SAMS program, students must:
- 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.
Selection Criteria
Students selected for the SAMS program have the following qualities:
- Demonstrate a strong interest in STEM disciplines.
- Have an experience that demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion in education, extra-curricular activities, and/or community engagement.
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 SAMS application includes more specific information regarding requirements. However, applicants can expect the application to include the following:
- Online application
- Unofficial high school transcript
- Standardized test scores (optional)
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (one must be from a current math instructor)
- Completion of two essay prompts indicated in the application
Application Essay Prompts
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?
In addition, applicants must respond to one of the below SAMS-specific essay prompts (no more than 1000 words):
- Carnegie Mellon’s founder, Andrew Carnegie, is famously known for the quote “My Heart is in the Work.” At the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion, our heart is in work which focuses on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). How will being a part of the SAMS cohort help you amplify or discover your STEM-inspired passions?
- As a STEM scholar, how can your academic work address a social inequity you have personally experienced or observed as harming/impacting a community in which you belong?
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.