BridgeUP STEM Scholars

About BridgeUP STEM Scholars

BridgeUP STEM Scholars are low-income, first generation Atlanta-area high school students who have had minimal or limited access to coding education and are interested in pursuing careers in computing.

Scholars participating in the one-year program first take a four-week non-credit coding class taught on the Georgia Tech campus during the month of June. From September through April, they engage in a twice a week research class led by BridgeUP STEM Faculty Mentors, their graduate student teams, and their undergraduate Helen Fellows. The research class is taught one evening on campus and virtually on Sunday afternoons. Throughout the program, Scholars connect with the Helen Fellows (undergraduate computing majors at Georgia Tech) to engage in fun community activities and learn about life as a college student.

Participation in the program is free and Scholars receive a $1000 magic grant for attending at least 90% of the coding and research classes. Scholars may also be eligible to receive transportation stipends to offset the costs for commuting to campus and parking while on campus for the coding and research classes.

Scholars’ Opportunities that Enhance Future Computing Careers

Increase their coding skills via the on-campus coding class.
Establish their computing research knowledge through the interactive research class taught by Georgia Tech BridgeUP STEM Faculty Mentors, their graduate student teams, and their undergraduate Helen Fellows.
Learn about and experience real world computing research led by the Faculty Mentors and their graduate students.
Interact in small peer groups with the Helen Fellows who are undergraduate computing majors who are successfully navigating their classes while engaging in campus activities and leadership positions.
Interact with computing researchers in academia and industry to gain an awareness of career opportunities and the pathways to achieve their career goals.
Engage in fun community activities with others interested in STEM.
Connect with the NCWIT’s Aspirations in Computing Community, a network of nearly 20,000 technical women in computing and engineering, by applying for the Award for Aspirations in Computing.

BridgeUP STEM leads to a greater awareness of computing career opportunities and the pathways to get there. Plus, Scholars gain the skills, confidence, and inspiration to pursue their computing career pathways, especially careers in computing research.

Coding Class Instructor and Ph.D. Candidate, Michael Johnson, celebrating with BridgeUP STEM Scholars, Selene S., Rembe G., and Anita W. at Community Brunch

Application Process

Although not required, we recommend that you ask a teacher, mentor, counselor, or administrator to nominate you and ask them to review your application before submitting it.
To apply for BridgeUP STEM, please complete the online application. The application forms ask for information about yourself, your eligibility, and what you hope to gain from participation. Your parent or guardian must also complete a permission form if you are under the age of 18.
Submit your application by the priority deadline of 5 pm ET on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Applications are reviewed by personnel from Georgia Tech and NCWIT. Selection of the Scholars is made by the BridgeUP STEM team at their sole discretion.
Interested applicants are invited to join current Scholars at our virtual Q&A session on March 24, 7:30 pm ET. Register here for more information about the Q&A sessions.

2025 – 2026 Time Commitments

Summer 2025:

Attend BridgeUP STEM Scholars coding class from June 2-27, 9am-3pm, Monday-Friday, with the exception of June 19.
At least 90% of the coding class sessions must be attended to receive the first third ($334) of the $1000 magic grant.
Community events and college admissions and financial aid workshops will be built into the summer coding class schedule.

Fall 2025 – Spring 2026:

Attend the research class led by BridgeUP STEM faculty mentors, their graduate student teams, and their Helen Fellows on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 pm and virtually on Sundays from 2-4:30 pm during the academic year.
At least 90% of the research class sessions must be attended each semester to receive the second and third installments ($333 per installment) of the $1000 magic grant.
Participate in two community events per semester with the Helen Fellows and other BridgeUP STEM Scholars.

Eligibility Requirements

Identifies as low-income or first generation student.
Is 13 years of age or older at the time of application submission.
Enrolled in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade as of the start of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Is able to commute to the Georgia Tech campus for the summer coding course and the after-school research class during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Does not have extensive coding experience.
Has an interest in pursuing a career in computing, especially as a computing researcher.
Willing to commit to the one-year program and attend at least 90% of the coding and research classes:
- Coding class taught on the Georgia Tech campus from June 2-27, 9am-3pm, Monday-Friday, with the exception of June 19.
- Research class taught on campus on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 pm and virtually on Sundays from 2-4:30 pm during the academic year.
- For the Tuesday classes, a light dinner will be provided from 5:30-6:00pm. Class will begin promptly at 6pm.
- Applicants must be able to complete the entire program spanning from June 2025-April 2026.
Agrees to participate in other program components including Scholar-Helen Fellow small group activities and community events.
Is a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or individual who meets the requirements of the substantial presence test.
Has a U.S. Tax Identification or Social Security Number which is essential in order to receive the $1000 magic grants.
Is not an NCWIT employee and has no immediate family relationship with employees, extended staff, contractors, or board members of NCWIT (including spouses, siblings, children, grandchildren, and persons residing in the same household).

Jadin F. and Roselyn A. guiding Dr. Chernovas' robot to pick up objects to assist older adults. — Jadin F. and Roselyn A. direct Dr. Sonia Chernova’s robot to pick up objects while testing functionality of robots to assist older adults in living independently

Lauren J. and Demi J. having fun in the photo booth at the BridgeUP STEM Community Brunch

Additional Required Paperwork if Selected

Submit additional paperwork including Georgia Tech Parental Request to Participate Release and Waiver Agreement; Student Expectation Contract; Medical Information Form and Authorization for Medical Care; Programs Serving Minors Pickup Authorization Form; Photo and Media Release; W9, and External Supplier Registration. The request for these forms will be sent electronically via the secure DocuSign platform. Failure by Scholars and/or their parent(s) or guardian(s) to return the required additional paperwork within the allotted time may result in forfeiture of participation and all stipends hereunder.
To the extent required by law, Georgia Tech will report the value of the magic grant to the IRS on Form 1099. Georgia Tech may require additional hard-copy, notarized paperwork, at its discretion.

Do you have questions about BridgeUP STEM Scholars? Please contact the NCWIT BridgeUP STEM team at [email protected].

Interested in being a BridgeUP STEM Scholar?

Apply Today

Interested applicants are invited to join current Scholars at our virtual Q&A session on Wednesday, March 12, 7 – 8 pm ET. Register here for more information about the Q&A sessions.

BridgeUP STEM

BridgeUP STEM provides opportunities for low-income, first generation Atlanta-area students to learn the skills of computer science and research methodology within a research university setting.

BridgeUP STEM Interest Form

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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

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BridgeUP STEM Scholar Nomination Form

Encourage a student to become a BridgeUP STEM Scholar. Know a high school student who should apply for the NCWIT BridgeUP STEM Scholars program at Georgia Tech? Check their eligibility and then encourage them to…

BridgeUP STEM

BridgeUP STEM provides opportunities for low-income, first generation Atlanta-area students to learn the skills of computer science and research methodology within a research university setting.

BridgeUP STEM Interest Form