Students working together with computers

BridgeUP STEM Scholars

About BridgeUP STEM Scholars

BridgeUP STEM is a one-year intensive program for Atlanta-area high schoolers who identify as first-generation or low-income. Designed for students with limited coding backgrounds, the program provides a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on computing research activities and prepare for the technology careers of tomorrow.

Why Become a Scholar?

This program offers more than just a class; it creates a bridge to future academic opportunities and prepares students for leadership in the tech industry.

  • Build Technical Skills: Start with a four-week immersive coding course on the Georgia Tech campus.
  • Explore Computing Research: Participate in an academic year-long interactive class where you'll engage in hands-on projects designed by Georgia Tech Faculty, Graduate Students, and Helen Fellows.
  • Discover Career Pathways: Interact with researchers from both academia and industry to gain a firsthand look at diverse career opportunities and the steps needed to achieve your goals.
  • Earn a "Magic Grant": Scholars receive a $1,000 grant (paid in three installments) for maintaining 90% attendance.
  • Community & Support: Connect with undergraduate mentors (Helen Fellows) during fun community events, attend college admissions workshops, and join the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Community (30,000+ members).

  • Accessibility: Transportation assistance will be available for qualifying students. Parking validations will also be available for students parking in the permitted parking lot on Georgia Tech’s campus.

Program Timeline & Commitment

Scholars must be able to complete the full program cycle from June 2026 to April 2027.

Summer 2026: The Coding Foundation

  • Schedule: June 1–26 | Monday – Friday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Holiday: June 19)
  • The Experience: An intensive on-campus, non-credit coding course designed to build core technical skills.
  • Added Value: Summer sessions include integrated college admissions workshops and community-building activities.

Academic Year 2026–2027: Computing Research Exploration

  • Weekly Class Schedule:
    • Tuesdays (In-Person): 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Dinner 5:30; Instruction starts at 6:00)
    • Sundays (Virtual): 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
  • The Experience: Transition from coding to research through hands-on projects and direct instruction from Georgia Tech Faculty, Graduate Students, and Helen Fellows.
  • Community Events: Scholars participate in two social events per semester with the Helen Fellows. These are held outside of regular class times to foster deeper connections within the STEM community.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the BridgeUP STEM Scholars program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age: Must be 13 years of age or older at the time of application submission.
  • Career Interest: Demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in computing, with a specific focus on computing research.
  • Background: Identify as a first-generation (first in immediate family to attend college) or low-income student.
  • Grade Level: Enrolled in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade for the 2026-2027 academic year.
  • Experience: Have minimal or limited prior access to coding education.
  • Commitment: Willingness to commit to the full one-year program and maintain 90% attendance for both coding and research classes.
  • Logistics: Ability to commute to the Georgia Tech campus for in-person sessions. Transportation assistance will be available for qualifying students and parking validations will be provided for Scholars who park in the permitted parking lot on Georgia Tech’s campus.
  • Citizenship & Tax ID: Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or meet "substantial presence" requirements (SSN or Tax ID required for magic grant payment).
  • Conflict of Interest: Must not be an NCWIT employee or have an immediate family relationship with NCWIT staff, contractors, or board members.

Application Process

  1. Join the Q&A: BridgeUP STEM will host an online webinar for prospective students on February 12, 2026 at 7:30 PM (EST)      March 11, 2026 at 7:30PM (ET)
  2. Submit Application: Complete the online form by Friday, April 3, 2026 (5:00 PM ET).
  3. Parental Consent: If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must complete a consent form.
  4. Selection Process: Scholar acceptance decisions will be based on a comprehensive review and scoring of applications by the BridgeUP STEM leadership team.

Registration is required and webinar access information will be sent to registrants viaemail several days prior to the webinar. Register here for the Q&A session. 

Questions? Email the team at bridgeupstem@ncwit.org .