BridgeUP STEM: Building the Future of Computing

A Georgia Institute of Technology & NCWIT Partnership

BridgeUP STEM is an innovative community where Atlanta’s next generation of tech leaders meets world-class discovery. Funded by the Helen Gurley Brown Foundation, we transform the academic journey for first-generation and low-income students by moving them beyond the traditional classroom. Through Georgia Tech, we provide early, hands-on exposure to elite computing research activities and the high-level coding skills needed to drive it.

Located at the heart of Georgia Tech’s College of Computing, our program connects aspiring researchers with the mentorship, tools, and inspiration needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving field.

The Experience: From Classroom to Lab

We offer a year-long immersion designed to build both technical mastery and professional confidence.

Summer Intensive: High school Scholars jumpstart their journey with a four-week coding bootcamp to sharpen their foundational skills.
Academic Year Research: During the academic year, Scholars join an interactive research class to work on hands-on activities alongside BridgeUP Faculty Mentors, Graduate Students, and undergraduate Helen Fellows.
The Helen Fellows: Undergraduate mentors gain elite research experience within faculty labs while guiding the next generation of Scholars.

Beyond the Lab: Through community events and interactive social activities, we foster a vibrant network of peers who support each other’s growth.

Increased awareness of career possibilities in computing

Increased coding knowledge/skills

Increased confidence in writing code

“Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied” with overall experience

Percentages of current scholars reporting positively on the results of their participation in the program.

Why it Matters

Research shows that for students to persist in computing, they need more than just a laptop—they need a community. BridgeUP STEM is built on four pillars of success:

Career Awareness: Visualizing the pathway to high-impact tech careers.
Technical Mastery: Building the skills to solve complex problems.
Self-Efficacy: Developing the confidence to lead and innovate.
A Sense of Belonging: Creating a home within the field of computer science.

We aren’t just teaching code; we are preparing the next wave of researchers to address the technological and societal demands of the future.

Interested in Joining BridgeUP STEM?

I am a high school student.

I am a Georgia Tech undergraduate.

If you would like to know more about BridgeUP STEM, please contact us using the Interest Form.

BridgeUP STEM Interest Form

BridgeUP STEM is more than a program—it’s a collaborative ecosystem where students at every level thrive. High school Scholars begin their journey by mastering the basics in our summer coding class before diving into real-world,…

BridgeUP STEM Scholars

BridgeUP STEM Scholars provides low-income, first generation Atlanta-area high school students who have had minimal or limited access to coding education with an introduction to programming and research methodology.

Helen Fellows

Helen Fellows are undergraduates within Georgia Tech’s College of Computing who participate in a one-year paid fellowship in computing research and educational outreach. Fellows are particularly interested in exploring careers in computing research in academia…

BridgeUP STEM at Georgia Tech Faculty Mentors

Faculty mentors and their graduate teams provide BridgeUP STEM students with hands-on exposure to high-level computing research. In this collaborative model, faculty and graduate students mentor Helen Fellows within active research labs; together, these faculty-led…