UW Allen School Changemakers in Computing

Changemakers in Computing (CiC) is a free summer program at the University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering for Washington State high school students who want to explore technology, society, and justice. CiC focuses on increasing participation in computing among economically disadvantaged and future first-generation college students. Participants, called Mentees, work in small groups led by current UW undergraduate Mentors. They learn introductory coding through culturally relevant projects, explore different areas of computing, attend career and college sessions, and build community with other students. The 2026 program met in person on the UW Seattle campus for four weeks in July, Monday through Thursday, roughly 9am to 3pm. The program is free, and every Mentee receives a $1,200 stipend plus lunch and materials. Housing and bus passes are not provided.

Open to rising juniors and seniors: applicants must be Washington State residents enrolled in 10th or 11th grade at a Washington school when applying. No coding experience is needed. Must be able to get to the UW Seattle campus and attend the full program, Monday to Thursday.