Changemakers in Computing

# Changemakers in Computing Changemakers in Computing (CIC) is a free four-week summer program hosted by the University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering in Seattle. Designed for students with little to no prior experience, CIC explores the intersections of technology, society, justice, and changemaking through hands-on projects and mentorship. ## What You'll Do - Meet in person at UW Seattle Monday-Thursday, roughly 9am-3pm, from July 7 to July 31 - Build computing projects that examine how technology shapes society and justice - Work closely with near-peer mentors from the Allen School - Attend an orientation day in May and join a community of students from across Washington ## Who Should Apply Rising juniors and seniors at Washington state high schools. The program especially aims to serve future first-generation college students, economically disadvantaged students, and students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in computing - and no prior programming experience is needed. CIC is free, provides breakfast and lunch, and students eligible for free or reduced lunch receive a $1,500 education stipend and a $250 grocery gift card. Applications for 2026 opened March 4 and closed April 1; the next cycle typically opens in early March. ## Outcomes Participants leave with a socially grounded introduction to computer science at one of the nation's top CS schools, completed technology-and-society projects, mentor relationships inside the Allen School, and - for eligible students - meaningful financial support rather than program costs.