Undergraduate Helen Fellows

About Helen Fellows

Helen Fellows are undergraduates in Georgia Tech’s College of Computing who participate in an academic-year paid fellowship focused on computing research and educational outreach. This program is designed for students eager to explore research careers in academia or industry.

Fellows work at the heart of the BridgeUP STEM ecosystem, conducting real-world research in faculty labs while co-facilitating the research class for high school BridgeUP Scholars.

Key Opportunities

The fellowship offers a comprehensive path to enhance your computing research career:

  • Hands-On Research: Work directly with Faculty Mentors and graduate teams on active research projects during the academic year.
  • Leadership & Mentorship: Co-facilitate a five-week research class session, alongside the Faculty Mentor, guiding high school BridgeUP STEM Scholars through hands-on experiences and small-group mentoring.
  • Professional Growth: Attend the Research 101 orientation and other workshops designed to map out career pathways in academia and industry.
  • Community & Recognition: Join the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Community (30,000+ members) and apply for the prestigious NCWIT Collegiate Award.
  • Networking: Engage in community events that support and advance women in STEM.

Program Timeline & Commitment

Summer 2026

  • Attend the Research 101 orientation workshop (Dates TBD; virtual options available for those interning outside of Atlanta).

Academic Year (Fall 2026 – Spring 2027)

  • Lab Research: Conduct research within assigned faculty labs.
  • Class Facilitation: Assist your assigned Faculty Mentor with their five-week BridgeUP STEM Scholars research class:
    • Tuesdays: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM (In-person)
    • Sundays: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM (Virtual)
  • Engagement: Coordinate two community events per semester and participate in periodic professional development workshops.

Eligibility

To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Major: Currently a student in good standing in the Georgia Tech College of Computing.
  • Standing: A rising second or third-year student at the time of the application submission.
  • Background: First-generation (first in family to attend college) or low-income student.
  • Interest: A demonstrated passion for computing research, advancing women in STEM, and mentoring high school students.
  • Availability: Must be able to attend your Faculty Mentor’s Tuesday/Sunday class sessions and all other program components, including community events and professional development workshops. 

Application Process

  • Deadline: Spring 2026 (TBD).
  • Interview: Selected candidates will be invited to interview with the BridgeUP STEM team.
  • Selection Process: Helen Fellow acceptance decisions will be based on a comprehensive review and scoring of applications and interviews conducted by the BridgeUP STEM leadership team.

Questions? Contact D’Andrea Allen at BridgeUpSTEM@gatech.edu

Interested in Being a Helen Fellow?

Submit Application