About

Carnegie Mellon University’s Global Cultures and Emerging Technology (GCET) Program is a five-week, interdisciplinary summer experience for high school students. Hosted by CMU’s Pre-College Programs in Pittsburgh, GCET explores the intersection of technology—such as AI, robotics, and game design—with global cultures, ethics, and human-centered problem-solving.

The 2026 GCET session runs from June 20 to July 25, 2026. The program is structured in three distinct phases: Phase 1 (Foundations): Students analyze cultural values and global perspectives through foundational coursework.
Phase 2 (Research/Project Labs): Small teams work under faculty mentorship on specialized tracks. Sample 2026 labs include "Animating Language and Culture with Duolingo" and "AI, Robotics, and the Future of Art Exhibitions." Phase 3 (Showcase): The experience culminates in a final symposium where students present their interdisciplinary work to the university community.

Admission is competitive and requires a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5. Applicants must be at least 16 years old by June 20 and be current high school sophomores or juniors. The application includes one letter of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, and essay responses ranking interest in AI, Animation, and Game Design. For 2026, the early application deadline is February 1, and the final deadline is March 1.

GCET is available in both residential ($10,980) and commuter ($8,489) formats. Full scholarships covering tuition, housing, and dining are available for students demonstrating significant financial need; however, the deadline for scholarship consideration is strictly February 1. By blending technical expertise with critical cultural inquiry, GCET allows students to explore a unique intersection of STEM and humanities-oriented fields.