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 current 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 & global partner students, as well as present and publish their research findings.

RISS is deliberately designed for students who are early enough in their academic trajectory to benefit from sustained mentoring, skill development, and long-term research engagement. RISS is not intended for students who have already entered graduate programs or graduate-degree phases.

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.”

Participants work together as a cohort to learn by 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 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.

Unlike many short-term summer research experiences for undergraduates, RISS is structured as a multi-stage apprenticeship. Eligibility requirements are therefore closely tied to the educational design of the program.

RISS IS A UNIQUE BRIDGE TO GRADUATE SCHOOL.

After the summer immersion, participants are invited to 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 who remain undergraduate students or who are transitioning from undergraduate study into graduate applications.

How can attending RISS help me prepare for graduate school?

The RISS program leadership are experts at helping students explore graduate school pathways available at CMU and other universities. Professional development continues after RISS, which may include:

  • Graduate school application and fellowship workshops
  • Resume, Statement of Purpose, & more
  • Peer reviews
  • Graduate program discussions with universities, alumni, & more

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. Approximately 80% of participants continue with remote research opportunities, deepening their research and often submitting work to robotics and AI conferences.

Eligibility

Eligibility is non-negotiable and is aligned with the educational goals of the RISS research apprenticeship. Applicants who do not meet all eligibility criteria will not be considered.

The RISS program is for current undergraduate students only. You must have at least one full semester of undergraduate coursework remaining after the summer program.

Eligibility Includes:

  • U.S. citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (green card holders), U.S. Nationals, or U.S. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders
  • International students who are full-time, undergraduate degree-seeking students physically attending a U.S. college, university, or institution located in the United States, are eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and are legally able to receive financial support/scholarships

Students affiliated with RISS Partner institutions and programs, including:

  • ARM, SoftBank, & Keio University – Carnegie Mellon University Partnership
  • CMU undergraduate students (any campus)
  • German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) RISE (applications must be submitted through both the DAAD RISE and RISS portals)
  • KAUST KGSP students
  • RISS–Mexico University of Guadalajara Partnership
  • RISS–Pennsylvania Scholars (current recipients of or students eligible to apply for the Grow PA Scholarship Program)
  • RISS–Poland AI & Robotics Partnership
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Partnership

Applicants must meet both general eligibility requirements and any additional partner-specific requirements.

Ineligibility Includes (Not Eligible to Apply):

  • Graduate students of any kind, including master’s, PhD, and professional degree students
  • Dual bachelor–master’s students who are currently in, or entering, the master’s phase of their program
  • Individuals who do not have one full undergraduate semester remaining after the RISS program
  • Individuals who have not completed at least two full-time undergraduate semesters prior to the start of the RISS cohort
  • International students who are attending university outside the US
  • Exchange students or students attending an overseas or international branch campus of a U.S. university
  • Post-baccalaureate students, gap-year students, or individuals no longer enrolled as undergraduates
  • High school students and dual-enrollment high school students

Individuals under the age of 18 who have not completed at least two full-time undergraduate semesters

RISS does not make exceptions to eligibility criteria. Applicants are expected to self-assess eligibility before applying.

PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS

How many students participate in the program every year?

RISS hosts 35–45 undergraduate participants annually, forming a highly selective research cohort.

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.

As an international student do I need to provide any proof of English proficiency?

Partner students may submit a TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo English Test or other language certification OR the RISS lab may conduct an interview via Zoom.

As an international student, do I need to have a visa to participate in RISS?

Yes, CMU immigration advisors will guide selected students through the process after selection.

BUILDING A STRONG APPLICATION PACKET

What are the qualities of a strong application?

  • References to prior RI Summer Scholar posters and papers (visit the Research Showcase)
  • A clear commitment to collaborating 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)
  • Research or extended course project experiences at their home institution
  • A clear connection between skills and potential projects/labs
  • Relevant programming (e.g. C; Python) or other experience
  • Strong letter of recommendation from an academic advisor or faculty member

How do I develop a successful application?

  • Step one: Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements before preparing an application
  • Step two: read the FAQs, eligibility information, and program materials
  • Step three: attend an information session
  • Step four: review RISS research posters and papers from previous years
  • Step five: explore the work of participating mentors

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.

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.

KEY DATES, TIMELINE, & LOCATION

What is the RISS application timeline?

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

How and when will applicants be notified of admissions decisions?

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

What are the RISS program dates?

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

What are the attendance requirements?

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

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.

FINANCES & ACCOMMODATIONS

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. All participants may need to show proof of health insurance.

What options are available for housing?

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

Can I get course credit for the internship?

Please consult your home university to determine the process.