Google – Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)

What is Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) ?

The Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) aims to expose students of all backgrounds, with particular interest in underrepresented minorities, to the technicalities of computer science in an immersive and collaborative summer camp. CSSI at Google offers three programs to better meet the needs of prospective applicants looking to find their best fit:

• Computer Science Summer Institute for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (CSSI-HBCU)
  • Program goals emphasize outreach to matriculating HBCU students to connect them with other like-minded individuals of similar backgrounds. Long term goals include promoting retention, and therefore future success, of HBCU students pursuing computer science degrees by providing a support system, mentors, and exposure to future job opportunities. 
• Computer Science Summer Institute Extension (CSSI-Extension)
  • Students participate in a three week summer program, before the start of the fall semester, from their own campus. They gain early exposure to computer science, taught by campus faculty who have collaborated with Goggle to customize a program suited to their needs. Students must be enrolling into CSSI-Extension Partner School. 
• Computer Science Summer Institute at Google (CSSI at Google)
  • If students are matriculating into an institution not included within the CSSI-Extension Partner program, students can still participate in this internship through this program. Accepted applicants will gain early computer science exposure at one of Google’s offices, taught by Google engineers, design and develop an application, and gain insight into the inner workings of Google. 

What do they do?

• CSSI-HBCU
  • Accepted applicants participate in a three-week summer program in Raleigh, NC or Huntsville, AL where they connect with Google engineers, computer science alumni of HBCUs, and local Black technologists. They are introduced to computer science through a Python based curriculum and apply their new skills in the completion of a capstone project. Students will be presented with exclusive insight into Google internships and other technical job opportunities to help them plan for their future. 
• CSSI-Extension
  • Accepted applicants will participate in a three-week summer program before the start of their fall semester where they will learn about the basics of HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Python and Google App Engine. Program includes a field trip to a Google office and student exposure to Google internships or future job opportunities. Program will take place on their campus. 
• CSSI at Google
  • Accepted applicants will participate in a three-week summer program before the start of their fall semester where they will learn about the basics of HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Python and Google App Engine. Program includes a field trip to a Google office and student exposure to Google internships or future job opportunities. Program will take place at an approved Google campus. Students living near the Google office will receive a travel stipend to commute and be provided with lunch. Dorming students will have costs of dorm, transportation, and meals covered. Two all-expense paid weekend activities included. 

Who is eligible for CSSI?

• All applicants must be high school seniors.
• Applicants must have the intention to enroll into a 4 year BA/BS program in the US (territories excluded) or Canada and major in computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, or a related department for the following year.
• Applicants must commit to daily attendance of CSSI 
• CSSI-HBCU and CSSI at Google encourages students underrepresented in engineering and tech industries to apply
  • These include Women, Black, Latinx, Hispanic, Native American, Veterans, and students with disabilities. 
• If applying to CSSI-HBCU, applicants must be considering an HBCU as one of their top two college or university choices
• If applying to CSSI-Extension, applicants must be enrolled into a CSSI-Partner School
  • CSSI-Extension Partners:
    • California State University, Chico
    • California State University, Monterey Bay
    • California State, Dominguez Hills
    • Loyola Marymount University
    • Make School
    • Medgar Evers College, CUNY
    • Northeastern Illinois University
    • Queens College, CUNY
    • San Jose State University
    • University of Bridgeport
    • University of North Florida
• If applying to CSSI at Google, please check here to determine which program location and date works best for you. 

How to Apply:

• Applicants must fill out the online application (found here) 
• Send PDF of their current unofficial/ official transcript
• Send PDF of answers to short responses (200 word limit)
• Complete Google’s Online Challenge. Further instructions to complete this portion will be sent after the closing of the application.