Program Overview
What is CIC?
Changemakers in Computing (CIC) is a free summer program hosted by the University of Washington’s Allen School. CIC aims to increase the participation of underrepresented, economically disadvantaged, and/or future first-generation college students in computer science and engineering. The program is open to all rising juniors and seniors at Washington State high schools. Students will be organized into Mentee* groups led by Mentors** who are current UW undergraduate students. Mentees will develop coding skills through culturally relevant project-based learning, learning about different areas of computing, explore the changemaking impact one can have through technology, receive support in pursuing continued learning, and building community with other changemakers – other Mentees, as well as Mentors.
*Mentees: High school student CIC participants
**Mentors: UW undergraduate students
What Do Mentees Have to Say?
100% of mentees from the 2024 cohort enjoyed the program and would recommend CIC to a friend.
100% of mentees from the 2024 cohort agreed that "Because of CIC, I learned something new about computing."
97% of mentees from the 2024 cohort agreed that they can make a positive impact on their communities through computing.
What are the benefits of joining CIC?
By being part of Changemakers in Computing, high school students can benefit from:
- Direct mentorship from UW undergraduate students
- Supportive community of peers and mentors who are caring and committed to intercultural communication and collective growth
- Problem solving skills development and meaningful projects that combine topics around technology, society, and justice
- Career exploration and professional networking opportunities with changemakers from all types of places and organizations
- Advising with exploring what college can look like, how to afford it, and what fields you could pursue
We are committed to ensuring that we are making learning about computing accessible by:
- Providing breakfast and lunch for all students
- Providing a $1500 education stipend for all students
- Providing a $250 Safeway gift card for students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch at their school to help pay for groceries throughout our program
What are the program dates and times?
The Summer 2025 program dates are Monday, July 7th - Friday, August 1st. We will be meeting in person on the University of Washington campus Monday - Friday.
| Dates | What's happening |
|---|---|
| March 5th, 2025 | Application opens |
| April 2nd, 2025 | Application deadline |
| May 1st, 2025 | Applicants are notified of decisions |
| July 7th to August 1st | CIC Summer Program 2025! |