Summer Academy for Math and Science
Providing opportunities for students from underrepresented communities to explore STEM-related fields.
Program Overview
For over twenty years, the Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) program has engaged students in a rigorous curriculum taught by faculty and staff who are deeply committed to student success. Led by the Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion, SAMS allows students to develop a deeper understanding of STEM via traditional classroom instruction, through hands-on projects, and sustained engagement with world-renowned faculty and skilled staff mentors. In addition to their academic experiences, students also have the opportunity to collaborate and develop meaningful relationships with peers from across the country.
Through SAMS and other outreach initiatives, the university:
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Develops a diverse and supportive community of STEM Scholars interested in attending top-tier universities.
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Strengthens students’ commitment to pursuing STEM-related disciplines.
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Broadens students understanding and access to opportunities made available through study in STEM.
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Equips students with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be successful STEM scholars.
Curriculum
The Summer Academy for Math and Science will consist of 2 parts:
PART 1: Part one of the SAMS program occurs prior to the start of the residential program. This is a required virtual Jumpstart for participants, focusing on skill-building that is needed for the in-person program. We will be connecting virtually for portions of both June 16 & June 17, 2025, however students will not be needed for full days.
PART 2: Part two of the SAMS program will be a 6-week, in-person, Pre-College program. SAMS Scholars will be in courses and meetings for full days during the time they are here. The academic portion of the program will conclude with the symposium on the final Friday of the program.
SAMS is a fully funded, merit-based program. There is no cost for scholars to participate. We expect all SAMS Scholars to participate fully for the duration of the program. We understand that students may be applying to multiple summer opportunities, however if selected for SAMS, scholars will not be permitted to participate in any other programs (virtual or in person) if program dates conflict. If you have any questions, please reach out to cmu-sams@andrew.cmu.edu.
Academic Experience
SAMS Symposium
Sustaining Connections & Engagement Experiences
A Glimpse into Project Courses…
Project: Investigations into the Versatile Applications of Polymer Chemistry
Students get hands-on experience with polymerization processes for various application designs. Safe lab practices and behavior is emphasized.
Chris Birch, Ph.D. candidate
Project: Exploring the Rhythms Behind Immunity
The objective of this project is to familiarize students with the methods of measuring gene expression in the field of Biology and to deepen their understanding of changes in gene expression with respect to time.
Sarah Oladejo, Ph.D. candidate
Course Highlights
Biology
Biology class in SAMS offers a series of experiments allowing students to explore areas of modern research in biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology. Techniques of DNA isolation (for applications in forensic science), protein analysis (from blood diseases), and Agarose Gel Electrophoresis (by transforming glow-in-the-dark bacteria from jellyfish) substantiates the course’s goal of helping students decide what they may want to study in college.
Dr. Carrie Doonan, Teaching Professor and Director of Undergraduate Laboratories, Biology
From Student to Scholar: College Transition Course
Who are you? What do you want to be in college and beyond? In 2024, SAMS introduced a college credit course grounded in these questions.
The From Student to Scholar: College Transition Course, is based on research in psychology, behavioral decision-making, and learning science. Through readings, podcasts, in-class lectures and discussions, students learn about theories of the self, including identity development, self-determination, self-regulated learning, and self-authorship. Each of these theories aligns with the key goals of the class: to better understand who you are, decide who you want to be, and learn what it takes to get there. Together, students and course instructor, Dr. Kevin Jarbo, Assistant Professor of Social and Decision Sciences, navigate the question: “How do I get from the student I am today to the scholar I’m going to be in the future?"
Chemistry
The SAMS Chemistry course overviews keystone analytical techniques used in research labs around the world: spectroscopy, chromatography, titrations, and more. It utilizes modern analytical instruments - the UV-Visible and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and the High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph - to collect and analyze real data. By learning the theoretical underpinning of these techniques, students leave this course understanding what the quantum world can teach us about the world we see and touch. Students gain an understanding of the theory and the process of experimental design, improve problem solving and analytical skills, as well as technical communication skills.
Dr. Gizelle Sherwood, Teaching Professor and Director of Undergraduate Laboratories, Chemistry
Financial Need
Summer Academy for Math & Science utilizes a holistic application review and admissions process, looking at the full application and selecting program participants based on a combination of factors. Because we are a fully funded, merit-based program for participants, demonstration of financial need is one of these factors. There is no option for participants to pay out of pocket tuition fees for this program, and financial documentation is required for application submission. Documentation includes either tax documents or a completed NACAC Application Fee Waiver signed by your high school guidance department.
Further information is below, but please feel free to reach out to the SAMS Directors with questions.
Examples of demonstrated financial need
Questions?
Please reach out to the SAMS team with additional SAMS questions.
Application Details
In-Person Program Length |
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Jun. 21 to |
Housing Options |
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Resident Only |
Application Dates
Virtual Jumpstart¹ |
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Jun. 16 & 17 |
Preferred Deadline² |
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Final Deadline |
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Decision Notification On |
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¹ Jumpstart participation is required. SAMS Scholars will be connecting virtually for portions of both June 16 & June 17, 2025, however students will not be needed for full days.
² SAMS is a highly competitive pre-college program. We encourage applicants to apply by the preferred deadline, signifying your interest in our program and commitment to the application process. Your decision will still be released on April 4.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
Selection Criteria
Application Requirements
Application Essay Prompts
Statement of Assurance
Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, family status, marital status, parental status, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.
The university’s Discriminatory and Sexual Misconduct Policy contains grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of Complaints alleging any action which would be prohibited by this Policy.
Inquiries concerning the application of and compliance with this statement should be directed to the Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone 412-268-7125.