About

Carnegie Mellon University’s AI Scholars is a four-week, fully funded, residential summer experience for high school students with a strong interest in artificial intelligence and computational thinking. Hosted on Carnegie Mellon’s campus in Pittsburgh, the program invites rising high school seniors (current 11th graders) to engage in AI fundamentals and mentorship from world-leading faculty. The initiative is a key part of CMU’s CS Pathways strategy to diversify future leadership in technology and is intended to be a continuation of CMU’s CS Scholars (designed for rising juniors).

The 2026 session runs from June 20 to July 18, 2026. Prior to arrival, all scholars must complete a mandatory virtual Python course to establish foundational coding skills. Once on campus, students live in CMU residence halls and follow a rigorous schedule of classroom instruction, faculty lectures, and industry networking. The curriculum covers machine learning, natural language processing, and the ethical implications of AI. The program culminates in a capstone project where teams develop an AI-infused prototype to solve a real-world challenge.

Admission is competitive and merit-based, targeting students who may lack access to advanced AI coursework in their home communities. The program is free of charge, covering all tuition, housing, and meal costs. Eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the 11th grade who will be at least 16 years old by the start date. The application deadline is February 1, 2026, with decisions released on April 15.

Because AI Scholars is an intensive immersion, students are not permitted to engage in any concurrent summer programs. By blending technical rigor with professional development workshops—such as personal statement writing and college planning—the program prepares students for the transition to elite university environments and careers in STEM. CMU’s AI Scholars should be viewed as a rare chance for students — especially those lacking access — to gain exposure to advanced computer science and artificial intelligence topics on a campus that is widely considered to be one of the true leaders of these fields.