Program Overview
Google is invested in increasing the enrollment and retention of Computer Science students, particularly those who are historically underrepresented in the field. The study of Computer Science can be challenging and fun, and Google wants to inspire these students – the innovators of the future – to become active participants and leaders in creating technology.
With this in mind, Google has created the Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI). Up to 20 aspiring computer scientists will be selected to attend the all-expenses-paid CSSI at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, from August 2–14, 2009. This special institute will include an interactive and collaborative CS curriculum, as well as a unique residential experience in which students can build a network with other attendees. They will meet alumni from their schools and other Google engineers while immersing themselves in daily life at the Googleplex. Students will also enjoy technical talks by Googlers, lectures by guests from across the technology industry, and social activities around the Bay Area.
Program goals:
- To enrich the skills of students early in their CS studies in an effort to increase the pipeline into the CS major and/or boost retention in the major
- To provide a social and professional network for underrepresented populations (women, Hispanic, African-American, and/or Native-American students) in technology
- To empower students, giving them the tools, motivation and confidence to continue with CS studies
- To show students daily life at Google and the amazing applications of CS that are taking place
In this program, students will experience a multi-faceted view of Computer Science that reflects its broad range of domain and application areas. They will learn about all aspects of CS, from its impact on our society and culture to the role it plays in our work and personal lives.
Students will learn everything they need in order to build a completely interactive Web 2.0 website. This will include both practical programming skills and the underlying theory. Our goal is to help students understand that Computer Science is far more than programming: it forms the foundation of the technology that has become a part of every aspect of our lives.