CS Scholars (CSS), a CS Pathways initiative, 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.

Non-credit

Residential

Financial Aid

Final project

Application fee waiver

CS Scholars (CSS) is a four-week immersive experience on the CMU campus for rising high school juniors. 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.


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. 

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!

Curriculum

Education

• Core CSS programming and math taught by CMU faculty.
• In-depth introduction to ongoing research projects from faculty and graduate students.
• Writing workshops with a focus on personal statements and college application preparation.

Personal Growth

• Career and personal development discussions led by experts.
• Group mentoring from CMU faculty and graduate students.
• Seminars in academic readiness and post graduate planning.
• Peer socialization.

Hands-on Experience

• Group research projects led by faculty, staff and graduate students.
• Field trip to CS industry leaders where students are introduced to people, topics, and career opportunities.
• Capstone group presentations that showcase skills developed in the classroom.

Single Session

Jun 21 - Jul 19

4 weeks

Residential

0 USD

Students admitted to CS Scholars are not required to pay an enrollment deposit. To secure their spot in the program, their Enrollment Reply Form must be received within 7 days of admittance.

Financial Aid

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 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.

Examples of demonstrated 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.