The Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute Summer Scholars (RISS) Program is an intensive summer research program for talented undergraduate students. Summer Scholars have the opportunity to participate in state-of-the-art robotics & AI research projects, interact with a diverse research team, and be mentored by leading faculty and technical staff. The program introduces aspiring students to dynamic research resources and methods, CMU graduate education programs, and research projects. RISS is a committed community. We strongly encourage applications from applicants that want to participate in and learn collaboratively.

RISS is an undergraduate program. Applicants should be current undergraduate students with at least one full semester remaining after the RISS summer session for which they are applying. The program is not intended for high school students, graduate students, or students that will not have at least one full semester of undergraduate studies post-RISS. Both US & international may apply.

CMU Updates regarding COVID-19 are available here: https://www.cmu.edu/coronavirus/

• U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or U.S. Permanent Resident
• Completion of at least the freshman year of college/university
• Must still be an undergraduate the fall following the summer scholar program
• A strong academic record (for example a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 GPA scale)
• One or more research or extended course project experiences at their home institution
• Shown a clear connection between their skills and possible projects/labs
• Reference to prior RI Summer Scholar posters and papers (visit the Research Showcase)
• Relevant programming (e.g. C; C++) or other experience
• One or more years of college or university
• An engaging and meaningful statement of purpose with clear goals
• Particular Robotics Institute labs and areas of interest
• Strong letters of recommendation from academic advisors or faculty member