SMASH RESIDENTIAL
Our Intensive & Holistic CS-Focused Program
Engaging scholars from underrepresented backgrounds through intense CS-focused curriculum to pursue CS degrees and careers.
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SMASH seniors intend to major in CS at 1.5x the rate of the national average (72% vs 45%)
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SMASH alumni complete a major in CS at 2x the rate of the national average (72% vs 34%)
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98% of SMASH scholars mastered computer science technical skills assessed at the end of the program
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96% of SMASH scholars mastered computational thinking skills assessed at the end of the program
WHAT IS SMASH RESIDENTIAL?
SMASH Residential, our flagship program, is a FREE, 1-year, intensive CS-focused program that empowers students to deepen their talents and pursue CS careers. Scholars are immersed in tuition-free studies in partnership with leading universities throughout the country for one summer. During the program, scholars build relationships with facilitators and CS professionals that reflect their same demographics. Because of their common background, students connect more deeply with gain true mentorship from these CS professionals. As they go through the program, scholars not only develop their skills and network – they also further develop their voice & build the confidence to become who they want to be.
HOW IT WORKS
Beginning the summer after their 10th grade year of high school, scholars gain access to the following:
- A free summer of residential programming
- Computer Science (CS), College Success,CS Pathways, and Electives courses
- Networking events with CS and STEM professionals
- A robust community of peers and support that will last a lifetime
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must meet all the eligibility requirements listed below to be considered for SMASH (no exceptions).
1. GPA: Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA or equivalent.
2. Grade Level: Be in the 10th or 11th grade at the time of application.
3. Math Skills: Have strong mathematics skills appropriate for your grade level, as determined by your state-standardized math test scores.
4. Attend a public high school or private high school via scholarship.
5. Location: SMASH Academy will give preference to applicants who attend our target schools within the radius at our current SMASH locations: Atlanta, Boston, Detroit/Ann Arbor, and Bay Area. However, if your school is not on the list and you live within the radius, you are still welcome to apply.
6. CS Interest: Must have a strong interest in obtaining a computer science degree or certification and pursuing a career in CS.
7. Applicants to SMASH Morehouse must be male, and SMASH Spelman must be female.
TARGET APPLICANT
The criteria below describe who we aim to serve, however, applicants do not need to fulfill any or all of the criteria to apply to SMASH.
From groups traditionally underrepresented in computer science: African American, Chicano/Latinx, Native American, Filipino, Pacific Islander, Southeast Asian (i.e. Cambodian, Hmong, Laotian, Vietnamese) or mixed race/multiracial groups with at least one parent from the above ethnicities.
First-generation college students: This means that neither one of your parents received a bachelor’s or 4-year degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university in the United States. If you have a sibling in college you are still first generation. If your parents took some courses but did not complete a degree you are still considered first-generation.
From a low-income family: (e.g. qualifies for Free or Reduced Lunch program).
OUR UNIVERSITY PARTNERS
SMASH VIRTUAL
Inform, Inspire, And Activate
An online platform that provides students early exposure to CS/emerging technology topics and career professionals.
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schools used the platform through our partnership with Elite Gaming Live
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WHAT IS SMASH VIRTUAL?
Since nearly 50% of students still lack opportunities to take CS courses in their schools, SMASH Virtual will provide virtual courses on topics including AI/ML, cybersecurity, and programming, to ensure all students have the opportunity to gain foundational knowledge and skills for future CS educational pathways.
CONNECT WITH STEAM PROFESSIONALS
Reaching a wider national audience, SMASH Virtual provides early exposure to CS/emerging technology topics, STEM career professionals, and empowers youth to address pressing issues through hackathons and open innovation challenges, that will also provide an onramp to other programs, courses, and offerings and more.
COLLEGE + ALUMNI RESOURCES
Our college+career digital platform provides insights into college and career pathways in CS and STEM, to share information, experiences, and resources to help students navigate and succeed in their CS journey–from HS courses to college, and into careers. This content will be designed to support alumni of SMASH programs as well as other interested scholars.
OUR PARTNERS
SMASH ALUMNI
Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders
The SMASH Alumni programming is dedicated to supporting our graduates as they transition from high school to college and beyond. Our goal is to provide continuous resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to ensure our alumni succeed in their academic and professional endeavors. We are committed to fostering a lifelong community that champions diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM fields.
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85% of SMASH Alumni graduate from college within six years, compared to the national average of 60%
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Over 70% of SMASH Alumni pursue careers in STEM fields
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2x The rate at which SMASH Alumni complete a major in CS compared to the national average
COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES OUR ALUMNI ATTEND
