Join us for a journey of research, innovation, and discovery! Your “research apprenticeship” begins with a summer immersion on Carnegie Mellon’s Pittsburgh campus and continues afterwards with remote workshops, peer learning, and continued research opportunities.

What is the CMU-Robotics Institute Summer Scholar Program?

RISS IS A LEARNING COMMUNITY. Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute Summer Scholars (RISS) program offers an unparalleled learning environment to explore robotics and artificial intelligence. This collaborative learning experience is designed to help undergraduate students from the United States and abroad experience research and prepare for graduate school. Participants explore research and applications in robotics and AI, work alongside top faculty and graduate students, collaborate with motivated students from across the US & world, and present and publish their research findings. We prioritize applications from students enthusiastic about contributing to research, participating in outreach efforts, and fostering connections within the community to promote mutual growth and development.

RISS IS A “RESEARCH APPRENTICESHIP.” We will work together as a cohort to learn through observation, practice, and collaboration. Through the RISS research apprenticeship model, you will study the research process and scientific communication—developing skills in designing research posters, creating a scientific video, and writing a paper for submission to the RISS Working Papers Journal. Together, we will also explore our identities as researchers, reflect on the impact we want to make, and consider how we can contribute to robotics and AI through innovation and discovery.

RISS IS A UNIQUE BRIDGE TO GRADUATE SCHOOL. After the summer immersion, we continue with RISS’s famous, super-successful graduate school application and fellowship modules. These peer-engaged learning and professional development sessions are designed for actively engaged RISS alumni from the previous summer and beyond.

MANY RISS SCHOLARS CONTINUE THEIR RESEARCH JOURNEYS WITH CMU. The RISS apprenticeship model scaffolds opportunities to continue your journey with us beyond the summer immersion. 80% of participants continue with remote research opportunities, deepening their research and often submitting to robotics and AI conferences.

RISS SCHOLARS ARE AMBASSADORS & ADVOCATES FOR STEM EDUCATION! As part of the RISS apprenticeship model, members of the cohort work on data projects exploring the educational landscape for CS & engineering, and share their journeys in STEM. In some years, we will submit to present at conferences and have the opportunity to share our research findings with political leaders from the nation, state, and region. In the past two years, we have presented at the American Society for Engineering Education, IEEE Future Innovations in Education, and at regional economic and community development forums.

Eligibility

– The RISS program is for current undergraduate students. You must have at least one full semester of undergraduate coursework remaining following the summer program. Please see below for additional eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Includes:

  • U.S. citizens, US Permanent Residents (also known as “green card” holders), US Nationals, or US Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders
  • International scholars who are full-time, undergraduate degree-seeking students attending a U.S. college, U.S. university, or U.S. institution in the United States AND you are eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) AND legally able to receive financial support/scholarships.
  • RISS Partners (university, government, and institutional partners) are eligible to apply. Please check the list provided below.

RISS Bridge to Graduate School Undergraduate Research Partners

  • ARM, Softbank, & Keio University – Carnegie Mellon University Partnership
  • CMU Undergraduate Students (attending any campus)
  • German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) RISE (Please apply through the DAAD RISE Portal & RISS portals.)
  • KAUST KGSP Students
  • RISS-Mexico University of Guadalajara Partnership
  • RISS-Pennsylvania Scholars (Current recipients of the Grow PA Scholarship Program and/or those eligible to apply)
  • RISS-Poland AI & Robotics Partnership
  • US Air Force Academy Partnership

Ineligibility Includes:

  • Non-U.S. students who do not meet the requirements listed in the eligibility
  • International students who are not full-time undergraduate degree-seeking students at a U.S. college, U.S. university, or U.S. institution are ineligible
  • Exchange students or students attending overseas branch campuses
  • Graduate students
  • Dual bachelor master’s students currently in or entering the master’s phase of the program
  • Individuals who do not have one entire semester of undergraduate studies remaining after the RISS program
  • Individuals who have not completed at least two full-time semesters of undergraduate studies before the beginning of the RISS cohort
  • Individuals under the age of 18 who have not completed at least two full-time semesters of undergraduate studies before the beginning of the RISS cohort
  • High school students and dual enrollment high school students

How many students participate in the program every year?

RISS hosts 35 – 45 participants annually.

How do I develop a successful application?

  • Step one: read the FAQs, eligibility information, and program materials
  • Step two: attend an information session
  • Step three: review several years of RISS research posters and papers
  • Step four: explore the work of participating mentors

What are the qualities of a strong application?

  • Reference to prior RI Summer Scholar posters and papers (visit the Research Showcase)
  • A clear commitment to working in teams
  • Prior outreach or community engagement is preferred
  • A strong academic record (for example, a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 GPA scale)
  • One or more research or extended course project experiences at their home institution
  • A clear connection between skills and possible projects/labs
  • Relevant programming (e.g. C; C++) or other experience
  • Strong letter of recommendation from an academic advisor or faculty member

What is the RISS application timeline?

Applications accepted from November 1, 2025, to January 21, 2026, at 3 PM EST

What are the attendance requirements?

Participants must be present in Pittsburgh from June 1 to August 9.

Is the program in-person or virtual?

RISS is an in-person program held on Carnegie Mellon’s Pittsburgh campus.

What are the RISS program dates?

The RISS 2026 program immersion dates are June 1 – August 9. After this immersive research experience, we will explore opportunities to continue remotely with research and professional development workshops.

Do Summer Scholars receive financial support?

All participants in the program will receive financial support. The scholarship information is detailed in the CMU offer letter.

Is health insurance provided?

Health insurance is not provided to participants.

Which labs participate in the program?

Lab participation and projects vary from year to year. Since RISS projects build upon current and prior research, we suggest that interested applicants explore RISS’s prior research posters, videos, and papers.

Can I get course credit for the internship?

Please check with your home university to discuss this.

May I register for classes at Carnegie Mellon University or work part-time during the program while I am an RI Summer Scholar?

Participants in the RI Summer Scholars program are not allowed to enroll in CMU courses or take on part-time employment during the program immersion. The program offers a full-time, immersive research experience. Numerous complimentary workshops and seminars will be available on campus to enrich your research journey.

How can attending RISS help me prepare for graduate school?

  • RISS will provide tools to help you explore graduate school options available at CMU and other universities. Support continues after RISS, including:
  • Graduate school application and fellowship workshops
  • Resume, Statement of Purpose, & more
  • Peer reviews
  • Graduate program discussions with universities, alumni, & more

What options are available for housing?

Summer Scholars are responsible for finding and securing housing, but will receive information and guides to support them. CMU campus housing is not available.

What documents are required to apply?

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of Purpose
  • One letter of recommendation (from a faculty advisor or instructor)
    • Note: You may include up to three letters of recommendation.
  • Unofficial undergraduate transcript (with overall GPA and major GPA)
  • Note: All documents MUST be saved as a PDF to be uploaded to the application website

What should I do if my school, college, or university is not listed in the drop-down menu?

If your institution is located within the United States and does not appear on the list, and you are eligible to apply, please reach out to riss-info@andrew.cmu.edu for assistance.

How should I choose a recommender?

Your recommender should be able to speak about your research potential and ability. A faculty member from your college or university with whom you have participated in undergraduate research or an extended course project would be an excellent choice. The strongest recommendations often come from individuals who have known you for an extended period of time and have had the opportunity to work with you in research and academic project settings.

May I get a recommendation from outside of academia?

Yes, but ensure that you have at least one recommender who can discuss your research experience and potential. This should ideally be a faculty member with whom you have conducted research or participated in an extensive project.

Can I submit additional materials to strengthen my application?

Yes, links and publications are encouraged in your resume. Additional materials can be added as supplemental pages to your CV/resume and submitted with your CV/resume. No CDs or physical mail will be considered.

How and when will applicants be notified of admissions decisions?

Most offers of admission are sent via email by April 1.