Succeed
    AI Scholars
    In-person Program

    AI Scholars

    by Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs

    AI Scholars combines Carnegie Mellon faculty teaching, hands-on artificial intelligence projects, industry visits, and college preparation to help students explore a future in computing.

    Last verified: 10 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

    Get the full picture before you decide

    See Succeed's assessment of the programme, who it may suit, the estimated total cost, what applying involves and what is still to confirm.

    or let us know if .

    • What Succeed checks

      We review public program details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.

    • What Last verified means

      Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Program dates, prices and availability can still change.

    • How official sources are used

      Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.

    • Why some dates are reference dates

      If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.

    • Succeed is independent from this provider unless a partnership is clearly stated.

    AI Scholars at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    U.S. citizens or permanent residents; juniors

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 16+

    Location / Region

    Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

    Cost

    Free

    Duration

    4 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    1 February 2027

    Save deadline
    Artificial IntelligenceComputer Science
    Accommodation: CMU dorms included
    Meals: Meal plan included
    Outcome: Group presentation; college application essay
    Tutors / faculty: CMU faculty and research mentors
    Academic credit: Non-credit
    Study cadence: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

    AI Scholars summary

    AI Scholars introduces computing and artificial intelligence through Carnegie Mellon faculty teaching, research exposure, and collaborative projects.

    Students connect classroom concepts with industry visits and a public project presentation, while workshops and mentoring support college preparation.

    It suits students who want to test their interest in AI through teamwork and sustained academic engagement rather than lectures alone.

    What is AI Scholars?

    AI Scholars is Carnegie Mellon University's immersive introduction to computing and artificial intelligence. Students learn from faculty, staff, and researchers through core instruction, research exposure, and projects that apply ideas to real-world problems.

    The experience combines residential campus life with industry engagement, group mentoring, and college preparation seminars. Students work toward a public group-project presentation and complete a college application essay with instructor and peer feedback.

    Why Succeed highlights AI Scholars

    • Faculty instruction and research exposure connect introductory AI study with the work of an active university research community.

    • Collaborative projects culminate in a public presentation, giving students a concrete opportunity to explain what they have built.

    • The writing workshop produces a completed college application essay with feedback from instructors and peers.

    • Industry visits and group mentoring help students investigate academic and career pathways alongside technical study.

    • Preparatory Python teaching makes the academic experience accessible without requiring previous coding experience.

    Who is AI Scholars for?

    Best for

    Students curious about AI who want collaborative technical work, faculty guidance, and an immersive campus experience, especially when computing opportunities at home or school are limited.

    Not ideal if

    You need a commuter option, must balance another summer program, or primarily want college credit rather than exploration and project experience.

    Is AI Scholars worth it?

    AI Scholars offers a substantial way to test whether computing and AI interest you beyond the classroom. The combination of faculty teaching, a collaborative project, and a final presentation gives students practical experiences to reflect on when choosing future study.

    The commitment is demanding: daytime programming can be followed by homework and group study, and full residential participation is required. It is a non-credit program, and admission has no influence on a later undergraduate application to Carnegie Mellon.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    Free; includes Tuition and core AI instruction., Housing in CMU dorms., Meal plans., Select program-related field trips and special events., Group mentoring and weekly college preparation seminars., College application essay workshop., Virtual Python preparation with instructor support..

    Accommodation

    CMU dorms included

    Meals

    Meal plan included

    Provider details

    Review the Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    4 weeks; Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programs

    How much preparation does AI Scholars need?

    Effort level

    High, with full weekday programming and possible evening work.

    Best started

    Begin six to eight weeks before the February application deadline to organize essays, financial documents, and recommendations.

    Main challenge

    Coordinating two recommenders while writing thoughtful application essays.

    Typical preparation

    • Ask a teacher and a counselor or adult mentor for recommendations early.

    • Gather your unofficial transcript and the required financial documentation.

    • Draft the 300-500-word essay around specific learning goals, then revise it for clarity.

    • After admission, plan for the virtual Python preparation approximately one month before arrival.

    Useful if

    You want to explore AI through teamwork and experience college-style learning.

    What do students do on AI Scholars?

    You learn foundational computing and AI, then apply those ideas through a collaborative project guided by CMU researchers. Industry engagement, mentoring, and college preparation connect the technical work with your next academic steps.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Complete the virtual Python preparation before arriving on campus.

    2. 2

      Attend core AI classes, research introductions, guest lectures, and workshops.

    3. 3

      Develop a group project with faculty, graduate students, or postdoctoral researchers.

    4. 4

      Visit technology companies and discuss academic and career pathways.

    5. 5

      Workshop a college application essay with your instructor and peers.

    6. 6

      Present your group's work publicly at the final capstone symposium.

    AI Scholars dates and deadlines

    Application deadline

    1 February 2027

    All required materials, including recommendations, must arrive by 11:59 p.m. EST.

    Upcoming
    Save deadline

    Programme dates

    26 June-24 July 2027

    Upcoming

    Applications open

    December 2026

    Exact opening day is not announced.

    Upcoming

    Decision release

    1 April 2027

    Admitted students have seven days to return the enrollment reply form.

    Upcoming

    Residential move-in

    26 June 2027

    Domestic student check-in runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Upcoming

    Orientation day

    27 June 2027

    Campus orientation and opportunities to meet other Pre-College students.

    Upcoming

    Classes begin

    28 June 2027

    Upcoming

    Classes end

    23 July 2027

    Four-week academic programming concludes before Saturday move-out.

    Upcoming

    Residential move-out

    24 July 2027

    Check-out runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; departure is required by 2 p.m.

    Upcoming

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Be at least 16 by 26 June 2027.

    • Be in 11th grade when submitting the application.

    • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a current green card.

    • Demonstrate a strong interest in exploring artificial intelligence.

    • Submit required financial documentation.

    • Live in CMU dorms for the entire program.

    • Participate fully in classes, lectures, and project work.

    • Do not participate in concurrent summer programs.

    • Obtain prior approval for any asynchronous online course.

    How much does AI Scholars cost?

    Program fee

    Free — Fully funded places include tuition, housing, and meal plans.

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: $0 — A $75 fee applies if a non-scholarship program is also selected.
    • Enrollment deposit: $0 — Admitted students secure their place with the enrollment reply form.
    • Travel assistance: Limited assistance — Available for families facing transportation barriers.

    What's included

    Tuition and core AI instruction., Housing in CMU dorms., Meal plans., Select program-related field trips and special events., Group mentoring and weekly college preparation seminars., College application essay workshop., Virtual Python preparation with instructor support.

    How to apply to AI Scholars

    1. 1

      Use the official CMU Pre-College application portal and select AI Scholars.

    2. 2

      Upload your most recent unofficial high school transcript.

    3. 3

      Request one teacher recommendation and one counselor, community advisor, or adult mentor recommendation through the online application.

    4. 4

      Write the required 300-500-word essay and answer the additional application essays.

    5. 5

      Upload essay responses in PDF or Word format and provide tax documents or a signed NACAC fee waiver.

    6. 6

      Add standardized test scores if you choose, then submit the application with all required materials.

    7. 7

      If admitted, return the enrollment reply form within seven days and complete the enrollment and health requirements.

    Next step with Succeed

    Interested in this programme?

    or let us know if .

    Succeed replies first, usually within a working day

    What does AI Scholars cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Python preparation

    A supported virtual course prepares students through synchronous and asynchronous learning before arrival.

    Foundational computing and AI

    CMU faculty introduce the foundational computing and artificial intelligence concepts used throughout the program.

    Research and group projects

    Students explore ongoing research and apply core concepts to collaborative projects addressing real-world problems.

    College application writing

    Students develop a completed college application essay through an instructor-led workshop and peer feedback.

    Academic and career development

    Seminars, mentoring, and industry visits introduce college readiness and technology career pathways.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on AI Scholars?

    A typical day during the program.

    Core programming

    Classes, lectures, projects, workshops, and field trips typically finish between 5 and 6 p.m.

    Additional work

    Office hours, homework, group study, and social activities may follow daytime programming.

    Campus and city

    Students have time for field trips, on-campus clubs, and exploring Pittsburgh.

    Python preparation

    The virtual course combines synchronous and asynchronous components with instructor support.

    Who teaches on AI Scholars?

    Carnegie Mellon faculty teach the core AI curriculum, while research exposure introduces work led by faculty and graduate students. Group projects are guided by faculty, graduate students, or postdoctoral researchers, and group mentoring provides academic and personal guidance.

    Where do students stay on AI Scholars?

    Residential plan

    • Assigned CMU dorm: Housing is included, and all participants live in assigned university dorms.
    • Meal plan: Funding includes meal plans, with vegan, vegetarian, kosher, and Halal dining options.
    • Residential support: Absence requests require guardian verification, and residential buildings operate under curfew rules.
    • Campus and city activities: Social activities, clubs, select field trips, Arts Pass benefits, and transit access complement academic work.

    Students must remain residential for the full program; overnight absences and private-vehicle travel require permission.

    What happens after AI Scholars?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Build foundational understanding for further computing and AI study.

    Complete a collaborative project and present it publicly.

    Leave with a college application essay revised through feedback.

    Explore academic and career pathways through mentoring and industry engagement.

    Develop college readiness through admissions, financial aid, and wellbeing seminars.

    The program is non-credit, and Pre-College admission has no influence on CMU undergraduate admissions.

    Where does AI Scholars take place?

    AI Scholars takes place at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with participants living on campus. Students traveling alone can reserve free Pre-College airport shuttles for arrival and departure through their travel paperwork.

    AI Scholars FAQs

    No prior coding experience is required. A virtual Python course with synchronous and asynchronous components prepares participants before arrival, with instructor support.

    No. AI Scholars is residential only, and participants must live in CMU dorms for the entire program.

    Funding covers tuition, housing, meal plans, and select program-related field trips and special events. Limited travel assistance is available for families facing transportation barriers.

    Financial need is one factor in holistic admissions, and financial documentation is required. The program also encourages students facing other access barriers, including limited computing education, internet access, or devices.

    Students develop a collaborative group project and present it publicly at a final symposium. They also complete a college application essay with instructor and peer feedback.

    Concurrent virtual or in-person summer programs are not permitted. Asynchronous online courses may be considered only with prior approval from the program directors.

    CMU will provide a laptop for use during the program if you do not have one.

    Admission to Carnegie Mellon's Pre-College Programs has no influence on an undergraduate application to the university.

    Alternatives to AI Scholars

    Compare these options if your interests extend into software development, engineering, or design.

    Alternatives to AI Scholars

    Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.

    Compare with other programs
    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Join our Pre-College Mailing List
    • Pre-College Programs Application
    • Absence from Campus Request - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • Move-Out Information - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • Admitted Students - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • Cost and Scholarships - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • Admission - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • Arrival - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • Discover Sessions - Presentations and Q&As - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University
    • AI Scholars - Pre-College Programs - Carnegie Mellon University

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 10 Oct 2026)

    • Official program page checked

    • Application deadline cross-checked

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Funding and inclusions verified

    • Residential commitments reviewed

    • Academic outcomes distinguished

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.